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Newton officially entered a new chapter in City government on January 1 as a packed City Hall gallery gathered for the inauguration of the City’s new administration. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey attended the event to help usher in the new Mayor, City Councilors, and School Committee members.
Healey noted that the inauguration coincided with the beginning of the 250th year since America’s founding.
“Massachusetts, to be clear, is where it all began,” Healey said. “When you think about the birth of American democracy, it really starts with local government.”
Healey highlighted Newton’s influence across the Commonwealth, pointing to the city’s leadership in education, housing, transit-oriented development, and civic participation. She pledged the state’s continued partnership with Newton, telling the newly sworn-in officials that they would have a partner in her administration as they move forward.
James Yeh, an 11-year-old, award-winning vocalist from Newton, led the attendees in song for the National Anthem at the beginning of the event and America the Beautiful near the end.
Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly Budd, a Newton resident, offered remarks and administered the oath of office taken by the new Mayor.
“It’s worth remembering that the roots of American independence and democracy can be traced in part to the New England tradition of local self-government,” she said. “Town government gave ordinary people the experience of liberty and democracy in action.”
Mayor Marc Laredo then swore in each City Councilor and School Committee member, a process that unfolded amid quiet conversation in…
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