Braintree Council Elects New President

District 3 Councilor Tom Bowes was elected president of the Town Council Tuesday night by fellow councilors, who also chose Councilor-at-Large Sean Powers as vice president.

The vote followed a swearing-in ceremony at Town Hall in which Mayor Joseph Sullivan administered the oath of office to all nine councilors and four School Committee members.

They were originally sworn-in individually last Thursday because the Town Charter says elected officials should take their oath on the first business day of January following an election and that evening's ceremony was cancelled because of the snow storm.

The circumstances mean that Kate Naughton, who won a two-year School Committee term last fall, has now been sworn-in three times, following an oath administered by Town Clerk Joe Powers on election night.

See a list of all the officials sworn-in here.

Sullivan offered remarks timed to the start of a new, two-year council term and the mid-point of his second four-year term.

He spoke of what Braintree's government has accomplished over the last six years, including improved municipal finances and roads, successful redevelopment and recreation projects such as the Petersen Splash Pad, and the addition of public safety personnel.

The town also faces challenges this year, such as tackling school overcrowding and making plans for a water treatment plant.

"This evening, we observe the importance of democracy in action," Sullivan said. "Since Braintree’s incorporation 374 years ago many individuals have put themselves forward for election to town office.

"While faces change over the years our mission tonight remains the same as it was when the first Braintree Board of Selectman meeting was called to order, 
to give our energy and commitment in service to our community."

Several town department heads, and dozens of friends and family of officials were in attendance Tuesday. Also showing their support were Rep. Mark Cusack, Sen. John Keenan, Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey and U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch.

Lynch said he spends three to four days a week in Washington, DC and that he "leans heavily" on local officials to keep up on the issues.

"It makes me a better member of Congress," Lynch said.

District 1 Councilor Charles Kokoros presided over the first part of the meeting, and then turned his gavel over to Bowes, saying that it has been a "privilege" to serve as president for the past two years.

"I look forward to working with you," Bowes said to his colleagues. "Braintree is one of the greatest communities on the South Shore and we can make it better."

Bowes was the only councilor nominated for president. He served as vice president last term, and was elected president by unanimous consent.

Powers was nominated by Bowes. District 2 Councilor John Mullaney also nominated Councilor-at-Large Charles Ryan for vice president, but Ryan's candidacy was not voted on, as Powers first received the majority necessary for election.

Councilors Mullaney, Ryan, Michael Owens, and Shannon Hume did not vote for Powers.

The School Committee will vote for a chair, vice chair and recording secretary during its meeting Monday, Jan. 13 at the Colbert School on Pond St.

A discussion on Braintree Youth Hockey and a Braintree Ice Rink was tabled until Tuesday, Jan. 21, as was an executive session on an unspecified human resources issue.