'Our strength is working as one team': Norwich City Council and BOE sworn in
After one last council meeting on Monday, it’s time for Norwich’s new government to get to work.
On Tuesday evening, Norwich held a swearing in ceremony for the Norwich City Council, Norwich Board of Education, and Norwich treasurer.
Incumbent Democrats Swaranjit Singh and Joseph DeLucia, and incumbent Republicans Stacy Gould, and Bill Nash, returning Councilmember Mark Bettencourt (D) and new Councilmember Shiela Hayes (D) were sworn in for Norwich City Council.
DeLucia remains President Pro-Tem of the City Council.
Board of Education incumbents Gregory Perry (D), Mark Kulos (D) Heather Fowler (R) Christine Distasio (R), Carline Charmelus (D) and Kevin Saythany (D), and new and returning board members John Iovino (D), Ella Myles (D), and Chris Milton (R) were sworn in.
Robert Buckley (R) was sworn in as the treasurer.
The City Council chambers were packed with friends and family, city officials, and the Norwich Police and members of Norwich’s paid and volunteer fire departments.
Also in attendance was state Sen. Cathy Osten and state Reps. Kevin Ryan and Derell Wilson. Wilson was a part of the Norwich City Council until he became a state representative in January.
“This is the one night where we are all one for the city,” Hayes said.
Departing members of the city council vow to stay involved
Outgoing City Council members Tracey Burto (D) and Grant Neuendorf (R) were also in attendance. They were both recognized by Mayor Peter Nystrom, and were given clocks with their name on it as a parting gift.
Burto said she’ll still attend council meetings, and she’ll try joining boards and commissions, but she’s excited to see new people in both the council and in the Board of Education.
“I’m excited to see what this council will do for the city,” she said.
Neuendorf said he is disappointed he is not staying on the council, but he’s still young and in Norwich, and would consider joining boards and commissions. He’d like the new council to work together and be professional, but he also wants them to consider how big projects in the city impact the community, he said.
“I hope they’re actively communicating with the public of all different backgrounds, and all different parts of town, and make sure they get the right results for the betterment of the city,” Neuendorf said.
During the ceremony, Rev. Diane Daniels gave a prayer for the council to be humble in their service and to make the city welcoming to all. During the prayer, she prayed for guidance for the city council to “not to ask first ‘how do we do this,’ but instead to take a breath and ask ‘what do we need to learn, how do we need to change, and to whom do we need to listen’.”
Nystrom also gave a speech reflecting on progress in the city. While there are opportunities in the revitalization of downtown, the school building project will impact taxpayers, but is needed for students in the city. He also thanked the police and fire departments, outgoing Treasurer Mike Gualtieri for his wise investments, and Acting Superintendent Susan Lessard for stepping up in the city’s time of need, he said.
“It’s so important that we maintain our strength,” he said. “Our strength is working as one team.”
Hayes, as the only new city councilmember, said she has plenty of experience in running meetings in her prior work. People know what she ran on, so she’ll stick to it. Hayes also hopes many of the people who were in attendance Tuesday will still come to council meetings in the future, she said.
“It’s really about the city,” she said.
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Norwich City Council and Board of Education sworn in Tuesday
