Here's what Taunton mayor wants to accomplish in her 2nd term and what she's proud of

TAUNTON — A sparse crowd, limited by COVID restrictions, saw the city swear in its elected officials on Monday at Taunton High School.

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito swore in Mayor Shaunna O'Connell for a second term, reprising a role the state's second-in-command played two years ago.

"As a friend, I am so honored to do this once again with Shaunna O'Connell," said Polito, who is not seeking re-election. "I've witnessed her work ethic and her passion and commitment to the people here of this city."

O'Connell, in her inaugural speech, recapped her administration's accomplishments and laid out broad goals for her second term.

"I took the oath of office in 2020, eager for our team to begin the work of positive change and reform," O'Connell said. "None of us could have imagined we'd soon be facing a public health crisis."

O'Connell said her administration has tried to remain true to the mission of making Taunton one of the leading cities in the state.

"One of my favorite quotes is, 'You get what you work for, not what you wish for,'" the mayor said. "At City Hall, we work hard."

O'Connell outlined challenges like solving the city's problems with biosolids now that the landfill is closed and keeping Taunton affordable.

The mayor touted the re-establishment of the Taunton Redevelopment Authority, recruitment of new developers and the opening of new businesses and expansion of existing ones.

O'Connell said the new administration building at Taunton Municipal Airport would be a catalyst for growth. That project is about six months behind schedule, according to Airport Commissioner Jonathan Lemaire.

O'Connell said her administration is streamlining the city's permit process. That's been a perennial pledge of elected officials for years.

"We want citizens to know that Taunton is open for business and that we are a collaborative partner," she said.

Only at the end of last month did the city's first retail recreational marijuana shop open, after two years of red tape at the city and state levels.

Other efforts the mayor highlighted included establishing of an Election Commission, which put administration of local elections under one department, the creation of a procurement office and hiring of the city's first chief financial officer, Patrick Dello Russo. O'Connell stayed with Dello Russo's appointment to manage the city's finances despite him having a personal bankruptcy. The City Council narrowly approved him for the job.

"I know that one year from now, we'll be seeing even greater savings and efficiencies under his leadership," O'Connell said.

O'Connell also highlighted the past term's work on reforming the city charter. Essentially the Taunton constitution, the document now sits with the state legislature, where it faces an uncertain future. State legislators will decide whether or not to allow the charter to be voted on by residents.

"It will serve all Tauntonians better," O'Connell said of the new charter.

In the coming term, O'Connell said her administration would focus on securing a new public safety building. That has been on the city's wish list for decades. The city has already bought a plot of land with an eye to it being a new home for both the city's police and fire departments.

In addition to the swearing-in of the mayor, elected and re-elected members of all city boards took the oath of office. That included City Council, School Committee, the Taunton Municipal Light Plant Commission, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.

City councilors also publicly chose which committees they will sit on or chair in the new term. City Councilor Phil Duarte was chosen as president for 2022.

Send your news tips to reporter Chris Helms by email at CHelms@tauntongazette.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Taunton Daily Gazette.

This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Taunton inauguration 2022: Mayor Shaunna O'Connell sworn in