By James Lomuscio
Red, white and blue bunting and balloons, a Police and Fire Department color guard and a stirring rendition of the national anthem sung by the Staples High School Orphenians kicked off tonight’s Westport’s oath of office ceremonies in a packed Town Hall auditorium.
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First Selectman Jim Marpe surrounded tonight by fellow selectman Melissa Kane (l), the Democrat who lost to Marpe by 455 votes, and his Republican running mate, Jennifer Tooker. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
“This is really a special moment for so many who worked to be elected to public office in Westport,” said Republican First Selectman Jim Marpe, sworn in for his second four-year term. “I congratulate you and look forward to governing with you.”
Marpe, who turned 71 last month, pledged that this term would be marked by “inclusiveness.”
“We will be committed to representing each and every Westport resident,” he told the audience.
“We will uphold and foster a climate of inclusiveness and acceptance to residents and visitors alike.
“In a year in which we have seen division and acrimony in our nation, Westporters will lead by example by treating each other with respect and dignity and practicing every day the shared values that make our town so exceptional.”
He briefly referenced the increasing state fiscal problems that have seen Westport’s state aid slashed drastically.
The Staples High School Orphenians performed at tonight’s swearing in ceremony. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
“Unfortunately, we are faced with challenges that we only saw hints of four years ago,” Marpe said.
“Because the State of Connecticut has become less attractive along many dimensions, we must do everything in our control to retain and attract new businesses and residents; to make Westport an even better, more appealing community that celebrates its unique qualities.”
State Sen. Tony Hwang, a Republican, administered the oath to Marpe, and Republican Sen. Toni Boucher swore in Jennifer Tooker, his running mate, as selectwoman.
Democratic challenger Melissa Kane was sworn in as selectwoman by state Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, a fellow Democrat. Kane supporters gave her a loud round of applause as she was introduced.
Town Clerk Patricia Strauss administered the oath to the 46 present of the other 50 elected officials. They included members of the Board of Finance, Board of Education, Board of Assessment Appeals, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and the Representative Town Meeting.
The Town Hall auditorium was packed for tonight’s ceremony. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Avi Kaner, Marpe’s second selectman who relinquished his role tonight, served as the evening’s emcee.
He called tonight’s ceremony a time when “everyone comes together as a community and celebrates Westport, and I mean everyone.” He likened it to the spirit witnessed during the town’s Fourth of July and Memorial Day celebrations — with a twist.
“Today, we’re celebrating the future,” Kaner said.
In his address, Marpe thanked Kaner and outgoing Democratic Selectwoman Helen Garten, “for your combined 26 years of service to the town.”
“As members of the Board of Finance and most recently as the Board of Selectmen, your expertise and careful consideration on the issues before you was exceptional,” Marpe said. “It was an honor to serve with both of you. You have helped make Westport a better place.”
Marpe also extended congratulations and well wishes to his former challenger Kane, “our newly sworn third selectwoman.”
“I know you will bring a tremendous passion for the issues to this new role,” he said. “I look forward to working and collaborating with you to address those issues those issues and ideas that are important to all Westporters.”
Marpe also vowed to keep making his administration “citizen centric,” which he had promised when first elected four years ago.
In the wake of the state’s fiscal crisis, he also pledged “to support our world class school, to safeguard the town’s fiscal future with smart management practices,” to promote the town’s economic vitality and to enhance its quality of life for all, including its growing senior community.
“Tomorrow morning, as I start my second term, I will be dedicated to those objectives,” he said.
