Winthrop Holds Its Swearing-in Ceremony

The Town of Winthrop held its Swearing-In Ceremony for newly elected town officials Tuesday night at the Cummings School.

Town Clerk Carla Vitale administered the oaths of office to Council President Peter Gill, who was re-elected to a second term in November, returning Councilors Paul Varone, Nicholas DelVento, and Russell Sanford, and new Councilor-at-Large Richard Boyajian.

Library Trustees Betty Nicolas Peabody, Gillian Teixeira, and Virginia Wallace also received their oaths of office.

Winthrop Housing Authority member Joseph A. Boncore, following a successful year as WHA chairman, received his oath of office. Housing Authority member Lawrence Holmes also took office but was not present at the swearing-in ceremony.

Re-elected School Committee members William Holden III and Brian Perrin, and new School Committee member Dawn Sullivan were sworn in as members Monday before the first school meeting of 2014.

Town Manager James McKenna served as the master of ceremonies for the program. Deacon Jim Leo gave the blessing, Speaker of the House of Representatives Robert A. DeLeo and State Sen. Anthony Petruccelli brought the officials greetings of the Massachusetts State Legislature.

Following the ceremony DeLeo congratulated Winthrop town officials and said he looks forward to working with them on community issues.

“Congratulations to the Winthrop town officials who were sworn in,” said DeLeo. “I am so proud to be from a place like Winthrop where neighbors look out for each other and residents are truly invested in bettering our town. This heritage and pride has made an indelible mark on me personally and professionally, as I’m sure it has on our town officials. I look forward to collaborating with each individual as we work to make Winthrop an even more vibrant community.”

Gill delivered his inaugural address, citing the numerous accomplishments and ongoing developments of property that have occurred during the past two years. Gill credited the teamwork of the town manager, Council, School Committee, and town boards and committees for moving the town forward. He also noted the successful passage of the referendum that will bring a new middle/high school to the town.

Gill also thanked his wife, Maureen, for her support of his decision to run for office and his continuing service in the town’s top elected position.

It was a proud night for all members of President Gill’s family in attendance, including the Gill grandchildren who had the honor of leading the attendees in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.