NEWBURYPORT — City Hall ‘s second floor was filled to the brim with people Monday morning as the community came together to witness the inauguration of their city leaders including Mayor Sean Reardon.
The ceremony began at 10 a.m., with retired bank executive Charlie Cullen serving as master of ceremonies.
“I am honored that Mayor Reardon asked me back to oversee his second inaugural ceremony,” Cullen said.
Those in attendance to see Reardon sworn in, alongside the City Council and School Committee, were Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester; state Rep. Dawne Shand, D-Newburyport; State Auditor Diana DiZoglio and Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove. Multiple members of police, fire and other city departments were also present.
Reardon secured a second term on Nov. 4 by defeating Ward 5 Councilor Jim McCauley by roughly 300 votes.
Six new councilors were elected on the same day. Stephanie Niketic replaces Jennie Donahue in Ward 2; Brian Callahan succeeds Heath Granas in Ward 3; Beth Trach replaces Ben Harman in Ward 4, with Harman moving to an at-large seat; Lisa Medina Smith replaces McCauley in Ward 5; Mary DeLai replaces Byron Lane in Ward 6; and Sarah Hall takes Mark Wright’s at-large seat.
Retaining their seats were Ward 1 Councilor Sharif Zeid, and at-large Councilors Ed Cameron, Heather Shand and Afroz Khan.
For the School Committee, Lauren Eramo and John Ricci joined Juliet Walker, Breanna Higgins, Andrew Boger and Kathleen Shaw.
The ceremony began with a bagpipe performance from Bob Morse and words from the Rev. Rebecca Bryan of the First Religious Society, followed by musical performances including “Lean on Me” by DiZoglio and members of the Suffolk University Choir.
Next, councilors were sworn in and then each asked to name their next president. Heather Shand, who served as president prior to the last president, Cameron — won the vote by a 6-4 margin over Khan. Voting for Khan were herself, Hall, DeLai, and Niketic. Zeid voted present.
Shand addressed the room, first noting a bit of history.
“I’d like to acknowledge the majority women council sitting behind me,” Shand said.
Later in her speech, Shand looked ahead.
“Public service requires us to think about future generations and what kind of Newburyport we want them to live in. We stand on the shoulders of giants who had the vision to preserve what is most important, and to build anew,” Shand said.
Next, the School Committee was sworn in with Walker being unanimously voted in as vice chair. By city charter, the mayor serves as School Committee chair.
During her address, Walker described public education as a cornerstone of democracy.
“I believe that our job as school committee members is to hold and protect that democratic promise in public education. We can demonstrate that promise every day by serving with integrity, honesty, and courage,” Walker said.
Finally, it was time for Reardon to take the stage and give his inaugural address. He began his speech by first recognizing former mayors in attendance Lisa Mead, Chris Sullivan, Mary Anne Clancy, John Moak and Donna Holaday.
He then thanked voters for their support in the recent election.
“I am here because of your vote, and I will dedicate myself to earning your confidence and trust every single day as we work together to build on what we started four years ago,” Reardon said.
Reardon went on to say that during a campaign, it can be easy to lose sight of why you ran, but that for him, his vision has never changed.
“That vision includes building bridges and finding common ground, forming strong coalitions and vital partnerships, and ensuring that every citizen of Newburyport remains our highest priority, our greatest strength, and our unwavering guidepost for public service” Reardon said.
He called the present “a moment of optimism.”
“I hope today we lead with integrity and high purpose. As we honor our rich history and embrace people in many, collaborative ways, we move forward ready to face what comes next,” Reardon said.
Matt Petry covers Amesbury and Salisbury for The Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: mpetry@northofboston.com.