By Jim Clark

Both new and familiar faces were seen Monday night at the city’s 2018 inaugural ceremony held at Somerville High School Auditorium.

The newly elected and re-elected aldermen, School Committee members, as well as the mayor, were in attendance for a public swearing in and general celebration of the latest configuration of Somerville’s civic government.

The inaugural event was preceded by a procedural meeting in the Aldermanic Chambers, where the official swearing in took place, Board officers elected, and seating arrangements determined.

The inauguration itself was well attended and included the presence of each of our state representatives, as well as Gov. Charlie Baker, who addressed the attendees.

The inaugural ceremony was hosted by Greentown Labs Chief Executive Officer Dr. Emily Reichert.

Musical presentations were offered by Nicholas Everage and Director of Veterans Services Bryan Bishop.

City Clerk John Long administered the oaths of office to the incoming aldermen, School Committee members and the mayor.

The current roster of the Board of Aldermen consists of: Alderman At-Large William A. White Jr.; Alderman At-Large Stephanie Hirsch; Alderman At-Large Wilfred N. Mbah; Alderman At-Large Mary Jo Rossetti; Ward 1 Alderman (and Board Vice President) Matthew McLaughlin; Ward 2 Alderman Jefferson Thomas (“J.T.”) Scott; Ward 3 Alderman Ben Ewen-Campen; Ward 4 Alderman Jesse Clingan; Ward 5 Alderman Mark Niedergang; Ward 6 Alderman Lance Davis; and Ward 7 Alderman Katjana Ballantyne (Board President).

The School Committee members are: Emily Ackman, Ward 1; Dan Futrell, Ward 2; Lee Erica Palmer, Ward 3; Andre L. Green (School Committee Chair), Ward 4; Laura Pitone, Ward 5; Paula G. O’Sullivan, Ward 6; and Carrie Normand, Ward 7.

Mayor Curtatone gave a speech after taking the oath of office, the full text of which can be found on our website at http://www.thesomervilletimes.com/archives/8076.

The attendees and general public was invited to a post-inauguration celebration at the Holiday Inn Bunker Hill following the ceremony.

We congratulate them all!