Ward's speech kicks off second term as mayor

Text of Mayor Art Ward's inaugural address last night:

Good evening.

Before moving on, I would request that we share a moment of silence for all of the men and women serving in our military with an emphasis on those serving in harms way and these whose lives were taken, and those who were wounded at Fort Hood this past week and their families.

Let me begin by welcoming and thanking everyone here for their support for the men and women who are being sworn in to elective office this evening.

I would personally like to extend my sincerest gratitude to State Comptroller Nancy Wyman and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal for so graciously taking the time to be with us tonight and extending the honor of, again, administering the oath of office to me for my second term as Mayor of Bristol.

The Comptroller and the Attorney General have always wholeheartedly supported the City of Bristol and will always be known for their willingness to serve this community. Thank you, both.

Jenna Connelly, what else can be said except, “Great job and thank you” – your participation contributed a very special meaning to the National Anthem and your entertaining numbers are greatly appreciated. Thank you Reverend Andrew Cadieux of St. Demitrios Church for giving us the realization of the sense that our reliance on faith rather than just ourselves is essential to our lives and for the guidance which is necessary as we begin our responsibilities as elected officials of the City of Brsitol.

To our seven wonderful grandchildren, Makenna and Hunter Holley, Warren, Avery and William Hamilton and Adam and Ella Ward – thank you for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance- Nonnie and I love you, all.

To my campaign staff, Elliot Nelson, Jim Brown, Tom Ragaini, Jason Rupaka, Kim Holley, Kerry Kasperian, Paula Positano, Mike Petosa, Jay Meisinger and the multitude of others who contributed to making tonight a reality – thank you.

To our entire immediate and extended families who have been a part of this campaigning for the last 18 years – I have to finally admit that I might have stretched it a bit when I said was only going to be in politics for the “short term.” To my lovely wife, Pat. Thank you does not even begin to cover it. If it wasn’t for your patience, understanding and unwaivering support, I could not do this.

Last but not least, I want to extend my appreciation to each and every person who became a candidate for office this year, whether they won or lost is not relevant, the point is that this was the most respectful and civil campaign that I have ever witnessed in Bristol politics and everyone should proudly hold their head high for demonstrating exceptional consideration for each other and the political process.

Congratulation s to the men and women who have been sworn in as your newly elected representatives. Together we can deliver the expectations of those who have entrusted us with the responsibkility of representing them in City government

The task before us is going to be challenging, the economy is not promising to be kind to us and the hurdles to be addressed will be numerous.

But - I am not going to spend this evening discussing the negatives. Tonight is a time to be positive. We have a new administration, newly-elected officials charged with the responsibility of navigating the rough economical seas confronting us and I truly believe that together- we will continue to move Bristol in a forward direction.

The actions that are ongoing and those that we will be undertaking will bode well for our future economic recovery. We will need to continually enhance these prospects, keeping in mind that we have new businesses moving into the City, we have existing businesses expanding in Bristol, we have businesses that are hiring new people as we speak, we have potential developers for the Depot Square, we have construction projects such as Route 72, the widening of Route 229, the reconstruction of Union Street and route 69, the resolution of the Route 6 Maple End drainage problem, the potential widening of route 6 from Collins road to Camp Street – easing the traffic congestion at the Stafford Avenue ‘Route 6 intersection.

We have plans on the way for a brand new Boys and Girls Club, a renewed residential and merchant pride in the West End area of the City; we have a new effort to establish an expanded presence of Tunxis community college in downtown Bristol, a continued expansion and delivery of services from Bristol Hospital and much, much, more.

We have an educational system that serves as a model to other communities and a public safety department which stresses and exemplifies professionalism and diligence while maintaining the safety of our community.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a future here in the city of Bristol, we have hope for tomorrow that is attainable and will become a reality as long as we unite, as long as we come together in a bipartisan manner to ensure that Bristol residents realize what they deserve – a safe, secure community in which to raise their – yours and mine – our families and future generations.

The manner and respect of this past election clearly demonstrate that we, as elected officials can do this, the manner and respect of this past election, dictates that we must do this – this is our mission, this is our task – this must be our goal!

Let us all pledge that our goals are to provide a viable economy, peace of mind to all, a direction of purpose and the deliverance of a safe and secure community, ready to ensure the future of the entire City of Bristol.

In closing, I want to thank you for the privilege, the honor and the opportunity to humbly serve you in a second term as your Mayor.

Thank you.

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com