SALEM — Longtime City Councilor Joan Lovely was given a standing ovation after being elected council president at yesterday's inauguration ceremonies.
Lovely's appointment, and the election of James Fleming as vice chairman of the School Committee, took place during a 10 a.m. ceremony to swear in and organize city boards for the new year.
City Council chambers were nearly packed to capacity as Mayor Kim Driscoll swore in the School Committee and City Clerk Cheryl Lapointe swore in city councilors. Sunlight streamed in through the room's large windows but was intermittently blocked by gray clouds — perhaps symbolic of the challenges that lie ahead for both boards in 2012.
While making brief speeches, both Lovely and Driscoll spoke of Salem's rich history and how the past can illuminate the future.
"We have much to be proud of, and much to reflect on," said Lovely, who was elected to her eighth term in November. "... We have a lot of important work ahead of us."
Driscoll, who was also given a standing ovation as she rose to address the room, touched on several of the large projects that lie ahead, including construction at the Salem Wharf and the closing of the power plant.
Driscoll said her top priority for 2012 is the turnaround of Salem's public schools, one of which was recently classified as underperforming by state authorities.
"We can and will do better," she said.
Yesterday's inauguration installed new members Lisa Lavoie and Deborah Amaral on the School Committee, as well as incumbents Nate Bryant and James Fleming, who were re-elected in November. Lavoie was appointed to fill Kevin Carr's position on the School Committee. Carr resigned to take a position on the City Council.
Carr, a councilor-at-large, joined newcomers Todd Siegel in Ward 3 and Josh Turiel in Ward 5 on the council yesterday. The ceremony also installed re-elected incumbents Thomas Furey, Joan Lovely, Arthur Sargent and Paul Prevey.
Driscoll thanked the board members and their families, saying she feels fortunate to serve as mayor.
"After six years, I am still excited to walk into City Hall each and every day," she said.
Many of the board members had family in the audience, and each wore a flower for the morning ceremony. The Rev. John Sheridan of St. James Church offered prayers to begin and end the proceedings.
A group of Girl Scouts began the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance, and Salem High School a cappella group WitchPitch? sang the national anthem. A Salem police and fire color guard lined the doorway and saluted as board members passed through.
Several former city councilors were in the audience, as well as Rep. John Keenan, D-Salem.
Staff writer Bethany Bray can be reached at bbray@salemnews.com and on Twitter @SalemNewsBB.
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