Inauguration Day: Mayor, newly elected city officials take center stage

Sign Up For Our FREE Daily eNews!

The City of Manchester held the Inaugural event to swear in the elected officials. The event was held at the Palace Theater on Jan 5, 2016
The City of Manchester held its annual inaugural event to swear in the elected officials at the Palace Theater on Jan 5, 2016

MANCHESTER, NH — Mayor Ted Gatsas was inaugurated to serve a fourth term on Jan. 5 at the historic Palace Theatre.  He is the 47th Mayor of the Queen City.

Before friends, family, and supporters Mayor Gatsas took his oath of office administered by Manchester Chief of Police Nick Willard.

Mayor Ted Gatsas is sworn in as the 47th mayor of Manchester by Manchester Chief of Police Nick Willard.
Mayor Ted Gatsas is sworn in as the 47th mayor of Manchester by Manchester Chief of Police Nick Willard.

Gatsas began his inaugural address by offering congratulations to newly elected members of the Board of Aldermen and members of the Board of School Committee, saying, “today we begin our journey … as boards united together for the greater good of the Queen City.  Today we begin the process of governing together.  We must cast politics and personality aside and put the betterment of the Queen City above all else. Today is a day that I have set aside for inspiration and I hope that you will join me and do the same.”

Gatsas used this address to highlight the city’s successes and achievements throughout his tenure as Mayor in infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and city services.

Mayor Ted Gatsas with his wife, Cassandra.
Mayor Ted Gatsas with his wife, Cassandra.

He continued by announcing that he will convene working groups in each of those areas to come up with near-term, mid-term (two to three years) and long-term goals (over the next five years). “This will allow us, your city leaders to have shared goals and develop a road map for future city successes,” Gatsas said.

He also highlighted the successes of the school district during his years in office.  Members of the first graduating class of the Manchester School of Technology served as the official ushers for the Inaugural ceremonies.

“The Manchester School of Technology is a crowning achievement of this district. We will continue to grow the school of technology and the programming, and provide the resources necessary because it is making a difference in your life and the lives of those that will follow you,” Gatsas said.

Gatsas also used the opportunity to announce a new excellence awards initiative within the districts to recognize and celebrate the progress being made within the district at each of the individual schools.

“We will develop new public/private partnerships with area businesses to reward our schools with such things as new technology, building upgrades and staff development.  I am excited about bringing this program forward for the 2016/2017 school year and look forward to a district-wide and community-wide celebration of our achievements,” Gatsas said.

Gatsas also reflected on the recent opening of the Families in Transition Family Place Resource Center and Shelter, the first homeless shelter for families and children in the state of New Hampshire.

“This project represents all that can be good and great when city government, the community and the private sector work together.  This project was proof that when we are focused, when we leave politics, partisanship and personality at the door and commit to the betterment of the Queen City,  there isn’t anything that we can’t accomplish,” Gatsas said.

“My fellow colleagues, the citizens of Manchester want solutions. They want to live in a community where they can inspire and be inspired. We have proved it can happen and I am committed to making sure it never stops,” he said.

Members of the Board of Aldermen are sworn in Jan. 5, 2016 at the Palace Theatre.
Members of the Board of Aldermen are sworn in Jan. 5, 2016 at the Palace Theatre.

Immediately following the inaugural ceremonies, the Board of Aldermen met for their organizational meeting, electing Ward 3 Alderman Patrick Long as the Chairman of the Board.  The standing committee assignments are as follows (first named is chair):

Accounts, Enrollment & Revenue Administration:
Joe Kelly Levasseur (C), Keith Hirschmann, Ron Ludwig, Tony Sapienza, Thomas Katsiantonis

Administration and Information Systems:
Tony Sapienza (C), Kevin Cavanaugh, Nick Pappas, William Shea, Joe Kelly Levasseur

Bills on Second Reading:
Ron Ludwig (C), Bill Barry, Daniel O’Neil, Joe Kelly Levasseur, Chris Herbert

Community Improvement:
William Shea(C), Normand Gamache, Tony Sapienza, William Shaw, Keith Hirschmann

Human Resources and Insurance:
Keith Hirschmann (C), William Shea, Thomas Katisiantonis, Pat Long, Ron Ludwig

Lands & Buildings:
Pat Long (C), Barbara Shaw, Kevin Cavanaugh, Chris Herbert, Nick Pappas

Public Safety, Health & Traffic:
Thomas Katsiantonis (C), Daniel O’Neil, Bill Barry, Patrick Long, Normand Gamache

Finance:
Chair: Mayor Gatsas; Vice-Chair: Keith Hirschmann


Members of the School Committee are sworn in by City Clerk Matt Normand on Jan. 5, 2016.
Members of the School Committee are sworn in by City Clerk Matt Normand on Jan. 5, 2016.

Immediately following the organizational meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen the Board of School Committee met for their organizational meeting.  The Board of School Committee elected Ward 9 School Board member Arthur Beaudry as the Vice-Chair of the Board of School Committee.  The standing committee assignments are as follows (first named is chair):

Athletics & Extra Curricular Activities:
Nancy Tessier (Chair), Mary Georges, Dan Bergeron, Katie Desrochers, Connie Van Houten

Building & Sites:
Sarah Ambrogi (Chair), Leslie Want, Erika Connors, Ross Terrio, Rich Girard

Coordination & Administration:
Arthur Beaudry (Chair), Mayor Gatsas, Debra Langton, Ross Terrio, Connie Van Houten, Sarah Ambrogi, Nancy Tessier

Curriculum & Instruction:
Debra Langton (Chair), John Avard, Rich Girard, Lisa Freeman, Connie Van Houten

Finance:
Mayor Gatsas, Vice Chairman and all school Committee Members

Sub – Committee on Finance:
Rich Girard, Arthur Beaudry, Katie Desrochers, Dan Bergeron,  Nancy Tessier

Student Conduct:
Ross Terrio (Chair), Debra Langton, Mary Georges, Lisa Freeman, John Avard Alternate: Dan Bergeron

Information & Technology:
Dan Bergeron (Chair), Leslie Want, Erika Connors, Katie Desrochers, John Avard

You can read Mayor Gatsas’ entire inaugural address below:


 

About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!