Community and togetherness were the themes of the night during the Oaths of Office ceremony held at Stratford High School on Monday, December 8th for our new civic leaders in town. Early voting began in late October and went through November, electing our neighbors in our municipal elections, to lead our town in partnership with our entire community.
Fitting that young people were an integral part of the ceremony given we were in their “house” – the place they spend most of their time in – their high school. The moment we entered the building, we were welcomed by Stratford High School seniors who, along with others from their class, were selected as part of Ushers Club. The group offered a very warm welcome, and handed bulletins to every person.
Photo Credit: Nikkya Hargrove
During the ceremony, which began at 6:30 pm, many faces took to the stage to welcome in our new leaders. From the Stratford Firefighter Bagpipers and the Stratford Fire, Police, and EMS Color Guards to the Franklin School students who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. There was a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by Evelyn Cade, a Bunnell High School senior, and Knoxroy Rhoden, a Stratford High School senior, who gave a heartfelt interpretation of God Bless America.
With every elected civic leader seated shoulder to shoulder on stage in SHS’s auditorium, the chair of the Democratic Town Committee, Kathleen Callahan, shared poignant opening remarks. She said “Transitions like this can be exhilarating for some and unsettling for others. Both feelings are real, and both deserve respect. A healthy civic culture isn’t built by pretending differences don’t exist. It’s built by committing to work through them, together, in service of something larger than ourselves. In service of Stratford.” And then, the Honorable Kevin Kelly, Connecticut Superior Court Judge, administered the Oaths of Office to our newly elected officials: the Board of Education, Constables, Town Council, and of course, the new mayor, David Chess.
Photo Credit: Roger Salls Photography
There was a quiet sense of hopefulness among the crowd, with nearly every seat in the auditorium filled with town residents, family members, and friends of the leaders looking on. Our firefighters and police officers were there in uniform, showing their support for the new administration, with the understanding that with a new administration comes the possibility for change.
United by the love for our town, and the desire to serve this community, Council Chair Carl A. Glad, District 8 and Anthony O. Afriyie, Town Council member representing District 5, gave joint remarks, each with humility, commitment, and recognition that we are stronger together. Both were reelected this past November. In a sentiment he repeated often in his speech, Carl Glad said that serving the town is with a, “Singular goal of improving the lives of those in Stratford…there’s no better way to do that than supporting the shared framework.” The shared framework, as he defined it, is collective standards which they, as civic leaders, work within, regardless of party lines.
Anthony Afriyie spoke of a Stratford that he grew up in, reflecting on his time as a student at Stratford High School, acknowledging it as a place that connected him with teachers who changed his life because of their kindness. “When more of us participate,” he said, “more of us benefit.” And he called upon us to, “Let us set our sights on a clear call to action.”
Photo Credit: Roger Salls Photography
Our 109th Lieutenant Governor of the State of Connecticut, Susan Bysiewicz said just before Mayor Chess took his oath, “As Americans, we are lucky to have the freedom to choose our elected officials.” Susan honored the veterans who were present, and the family members of the elected officials, those who have and will sacrifice in different and various ways, in support of the civic leaders sitting on stage.
Once speeches were finished, and oaths taken, Mayor Chess shared words of encouragement as the new leader of our town. He took time to thank former mayor Laura Hoydick for her eight years of leadership and service. The audience responded with a solid round of applause, showing their gratitude as well.
Photo Credit: Roger Salls Photography
A stronger sense of community interaction is the core of Mayor Chess’s vision: “Working together to shape a future we all can be proud of.” He went on to say, “We are going to make our meetings more accessible. Our town council meetings will stream live. We want people engaged.” And this crowd certainly was engaged. The auditorium was filled with community members expressing their support vocally and with applause for Mayor Chess, the Board of Education, Constables, Town Council, police officers, firefighters, veterans, EMS, teachers, and the students who gave their time and energy to help make the evening such a success.
