Winthrop Welcomes New Officials to Office Monday

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

Newly elected officials were sworn in Monday night in the Cummings School cafetorium following comments from Town Manager James McKenna and Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo.

Robert L. Driscoll Jr. was sworn in as the third Town Council President since th

e town elected to change its charter and embraced a new form of government 10 years ago. The first to serve in the Town Council President seat was Tom Rielly and the second was Peter Gill.

Town Clerk Carla Vitale swore in the new leaders. Joining the ranks of newly elected  Winthrop officials are Precinct 4 Councilor Heather Engman; School Committee members Valentino Capobianco and Ronald Vecchia, (new member Laura Callis could not attend the ceremony); Library Trustees Thomas Connolly and Donald Sullivan were sworn in, while returning trustee Ronald Bergman opted to be sworn in earlier in the day. For the Winthrop Housing Authority, Richard Honan and Frank Ferrara were sworn in.

Also attending the ceremony were Jay Livingstone and Joe Boncore who are eyeing a run for the state senate seat currently held by Anthony Petruccelli. State Rep. Adrian Madaro from East Boston was also at the ceremony.

“Each of you have been called to public service,” McKenna said. “Being called to serve is a big ask its also a bigger give… of your time and attention. It’s also a bigger give of your families.”

He added that being an official is also a gift “from you and your family.” He also acknowledged that being a local official is not easy especially when it comes to friends, family and neighbors.

“This will be an evening you will always remember,” said Speaker DeLeo. “Winthrop is a very special place and a place where good things are about to happen because of our economy and community.”

“I think it’s a place that will take a giant step forward,” DeLeo added, offering his support. “My door is always open to you if you need any assistance.”