During inauguration ceremonies Monday night, Town Council President Paul M. Rodrigues says much can be accomplished for all of Middletown if everyone works together. #AlwaysIslanders #MiddletownRI
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CONTACT: Matt Sheley at (401) 842-6543 or msheley@middletownri.com
POSITIVE PROGRESS PROMISED FOR MIDDLETOWN
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (NOVEMBER 28, 2022) – Towards the end of Monday’s inauguration ceremony, Paul M. Rodrigues acknowledged there was a lot on the plate of the incoming Town Council.
With questions like what to do about the aging school buildings, the continuing education budget deficit and making Middletown more affordable, the council president said there were no shortage of issues to keep the new council busy.
But based on his read, Rodrigues said if everyone gets on board and works together for the best of all of Middletown, the sky was the limit setting a positive tone for the next two years during the event from the Middletown High cafetorium.
“Teamwork is the key to moving our town forward,” Rodrigues said. “We can accomplish all these initiatives if we all work together as one in the same direction. However, we must all pull the rope from the same end.”
Monday’s festivities drew a far larger crowd than in past years, with most of the chairs set up in the Valley Road space filled.
With Town Clerk Wendy J.W. Marshall overseeing the inauguration, the Middletown Police and Fire departments Color Guards presented the flags. That was followed by a singing of the National Anthem by the Middletown High School Chorus.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, Rev. Father Thomas D. O’Neill delivered the invocation. Next, the town’s Board of Canvassers certified the election results, welcoming Rodrigues, Vice President Thomas P. Welch III, Peter D. Connerton Sr., Christopher M. Logan, M. Theresa Santos, Emily M. Tessier and Dennis B. Turano to the 2022-2024 council and Wendy E. Heaney, Gregory M. Huet and Theresa Spengler to the school board.
Drawing loud applause, Gov. Daniel J. McKee read the oaths of office to the school board and council, thanking them for their time and efforts to make Middletown — and Rhode Island — a better place to live.
The council also thanked outgoing members Terri Flynn and Barbara A. VonVillas for their dedication and work to better the community. Departing school board members Douglas W. Arnold and Liana Fenton and State Rep. Deborah Ruggiero were also honored.
In additional business, the council named Frank Holbrook as Municipal Court judge, Robert Silva as assistant Municipal Court judge and Kevin Hagan as second assistant Municipal Court judge.
Michael Miller was selected as Probate Court judge, Barbara Barrow as assistant Probate Court judge, Peter Regan as town solicitor and Anthony Pesare as town prosecutor.
Then, Rodrigues pledged to work with the schools to “develop a strong, cohesive relationship” to help address continuing issues on the educational side.
“The road to addressing the needs of our schools has proven difficult on several fronts, but we remain committed to moving the educational opportunities for our children, teachers and residents forward,” Rodrigues said. “We will regroup, explore every option and bring forward the best plan of action available for our children and our taxpayers.”
He said the council was equally dedicated to helping make Middletown more affordable.
“We also have several affordable housing initiatives to help our seniors, young families and our workforce residents to get the housing they need and deserve,” Rodrigues said. “The balance of affordability and quality of life will always be a top priority so our residents can enjoy the beauty of our great town and remain in their homes.”
No matter what happens, Rodrigues said he had no doubt the council would work hard for Middletown.
“We are here to serve the people of Middletown to the best of our ability,” Rodrigues said. “We promise you two things. First, that we will work very hard for you and second, that we’ll be extremely passionate about protecting your taxpayer dollars.”
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