First Selectwoman Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers and Selectman Dave McKane were sworn into office Monday as more than 150 residents and politicians from both sides of the aisle looked on at Town Hall.
Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz administered the oaths of office to Drayton-Rogers and McKane along with Town Clerk Margaret Potts-West and newly elected Democratic officials for boards and commissions.
Town Attorney and Master of Ceremonies Fran Teodosio welcomed Republican Selectman elect David Yish and other newly elected Republican board and commission members who attended the Democratic event.
The Republican Party swore in elected candidates, making up a majority on all boards and commissions in town last Thursday. Click here to see photos from the event.
Those attending the Democratic swearing in ceremony included former Speaker of the House James Amann, former Oxford First Selectwomen Kate Cosgrove and Kathy Johnson, Seymour First Selectman-elect Paul Roy, campaign staffers and leadership from both the Democratic and Republican Town Committees.
During his introduction of Drayton-Rogers, Teodosio called her an exceptional leader and an asset to the community.
Prior to administering the oath to, Bysiewicz said Drayton-Rogers is someone who makes the people’s voice heard in Hartford.
Bysiewicz added Drayton-Rogers works together with legislators in and is a fiscally responsible advocate for the town on budget issues.
Drayton Rogers is the town’s 95th First Selectman, and the first Selectwoman to be elected for a second term in the town’s 211-year history.
Recognizing Republicans in the audience, Drayton-Rogers said going forward there would be a two party system of checks and balances.
She stressed public servants have to work together to do what is best for the town.
“This is not a job for one person and there is plenty of work to go around for everyone,” she said.
She acknowledged a hard fought campaign that was reflected in the results, which had Drayton-Rogers defeating Republican Challenger David Haversat by only 33 votes.
“A win is a win is a win,” she said.
Drayton-Rogers thanked her family with tears in her eyes along with her campaign team volunteers, DTC Chairman Peter Bunzl and running mate David McKane.
McKane, who is entering his fifth term on the Board of Selectmen, said the campaign win was a team effort and was a privilege to run with Drayton-Rogers.
Yish is entering his first term on the Board of Selectman with no prior political experience.
He said it was an honor to be sworn in by his campaign manager Victor Catalano at the Republican ceremony last Thursday.
Yish said he hopes to get off to a good start on the board by attending the Democratic ceremony.
“It is time to get to business and I am ready to work for the town,” he said.
Republican Town Committee Chairman Tom Kelly, also a member of the Board of Finance, anticipates a tight budget in an uncertain economy.
“The economy has not rebounded upward, people are out of work and the town’s revenues are down,” he said. “It is going to be an interesting two years.”
