"It's a small way to say thank you." Bysiewicz swears in Griswold election winners

Griswold’s swearing-in ceremony was a special one Tuesday.

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz visited the town and conducted the swearing-ins of most of the election winners, including First Selectwoman Tina Falck. Others were sworn in on different occasions.

Bysiewicz has been conducting various swearing-in ceremonies across the state, and so has Governor Ned Lamont. This is something they do every year, as some towns will invite them to conduct their swearing-ins. Bysiewicz also swore in election winners in East Windsor on Tuesday, she said.

“It’s a nice thing to be able to encourage people to go into elected office at the local level,” Bysiewicz said. “It’s a small way to say thank you.”

It’s also a way to show local governments that the state will listen when they need something, Bysiewicz said.

During the ceremony, Bysiewicz talked about the importance of the freedoms Americans enjoy, including the rights of free speech, freedom of religion, and of course, the ability to elect officials. She also recognized the service of veterans, and the time put into campaigns by candidates and their families.

“They had a desire to help their neighbors in this beautiful community,” she said.

After her speech, she began the official swearing-in, which included Board of Education member and Planning and Zoning alternate Cathy Waselik, Planning and Zoning Alternate Peter Zvingilas, Planning and Zoning Member Courtland Kinnie, Board of Education Member Jamiee O’Neil-Eaton, Board of Finance Members Mark DePonte, Gail Rooke-Norman, Scott Davis, and Rob Hamel, Treasurer Linda Cote, and Selectman Richard Grabowski.

Falck was sworn in last, joined by her family, including her husband and former first selectman Todd Babbitt. Flack recited her oath of office using an old Bible that was owned by Babbitt’s father.

“It was special, and I appreciate her coming here for our team,” Falck said.

Bysieiwcz reflected on Falck’s accomplishments over the years, including Falck’s 17 years as director of the Griswold Senior Center. Falck is a hard worker and will “treat the town and the residents with the respect they deserve,” Bysiewicz said.

“Now that we had the election, we’re on the same page,” she said. “We’re united in our desire to make this great community better.”

The swearing-in ceremony is a step in the right direction for promoting that unity, with a strong turnout, and people talking and sworn in officials making plans for their time in office, Falck said.

Waselik also liked the ceremony.

“It’s a lot different than just walking into town hall and raising your hand in front of the clerk,” she said.

Waeslik wants to learn more about the boards and the community with her time in office, and if all goes well, she’ll look at running for a four-year term, she said.

Hamel also enjoyed the honor of being sworn in by the Lt. Gov., saying “it’s something that doesn’t happen all the time,” he said.

“I look forward to representing the town and working for the town,”  Hamel, a former Griswold firefighter, said.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Griswold election winners sworn in by CT. Lt. Gov.