The New Term Begins

Following the swearing in of the new and re-elected members of the Board of Education and the Town Council Monday, the town's executive officers took the oath Tuesday at a Town Hall ceremony.

State Rep. John Hetherington, who MC-ed the ceremony, called it a celebration of the American system of government founded on the ideals of personal liberty and self-governance.

"We continue to struggle to make the world a fertile place for Democracy in Iraq, in Afghanistan," Hetherington said in his keynote speech, reminding the audience to be thankful to the nation's service men and women. He also recognized the dedication of the registrars and poll workers, "who work long hours with little pay... to guarantee us a reliable election which allows the winner to take office knowing they won the race fair and square."

After Town Treasurer Don Hersam and Selectmen Rob Mallozzi and Sally Hines had sworn in and signed the official log book, Hetherington asked First Selectman Jeb Walker if he would step up to take the oath. "Be happy to," he replied with a grin. 

In a brief speech following the oath, Walker thanked the public officials and town employees in the audience.

"We've got the best people there are in the world working here in New Canaan... and that's what makes this town great," he said.

With that the ceremony concluded. Walker shook hands and shared a sandwich with friends and colleagues, then reported for duty with Mallozzi and Hines for the Board of Selectmen meeting at 3 p.m.