Mayor Curtatone offered his views on the state of the city and how public policy should be shaped in the year to come at Monday night’s inaugural ceremonies.

By Jim Clark

The City of Somerville’s governmental body emerged from its deep winter holiday break this week to forge ahead with the business of the city and its people.

Public officials gathered for an “organizational meeting” on Monday night in the city’s Council Chambers to elect officers, adopt rules, and deliver addresses, all in the spirit of beginning the year anew, followed by the formal inaugural event held at the Somerville High School auditorium.

At the City Council organizational meeting, the Election Commissioner submitted the results of the City Election held on November 5, 2019.

Ward 1 Councilor Matthew McLaughlin was subsequently elected by the Council to serve as its President for the 2020 session, after having previously served as Vice President.

Councilor At-Large Mary Jo Rossetti will serve as the City Council’s Vice President for the 2020 session, the first time she has been elected to this position.

The organizational meeting for the School Committee took place immediately following the election of Council officers, followed by addresses by the elected officials, along with orders, ordinances, resolutions and motions put forward by the members.

The Rules of the City Council for 2020 as approved on December 12, 2019 were then formally adopted, and the drawing of seats in the Council Chambers for each member took place.

The proceedings then moved to the Somerville High School Centennial Auditorium for the formal inauguration ceremonies, attended by members of the general public as well as local and state officials, and other notable guest speakers.

The city’s elected officials were joined onstage by U.S. Senator Ed Markey, State Senator Pat Jehlen, State Representatives Denise Provost and Mike Connolly, Cambridge Mayor Marc McGovern, Somerville Mayor Emeritus Gene Brune, and former Somerville Mayor the Honorable Dorothy Kelly Gay.

Also in attendance were School Superintendent Mary Skipper, Police Department Chief David Fallon, and Fire Department Chief Charles Breen.

After the official swearing in ceremony, speeches were given by newly appointed School Committee Chairperson Carrie Normand, City Council President Matt McLaughlin, and Mayor Joseph Curtatone.

A transcript of the mayor’s full speech, as well as links to a video of the inaugural ceremonies can be found on the city’s website at www.somervillema.gov.