KENT, Conn.—A crowd of residents flocked to Kent Town Hall Saturday, Nov. 8, to support and welcome newly elected officials to their respective offices.
A swearing-in ceremony was held with Connecticut Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz administering the oath of office to individuals. Family and friends of those elected, as well as townspeople, attended the event. Some sat in chairs set up in rows in the room while others stood around the perimeter of the room.
In her introduction, Bysiewicz noted that with Veterans Day being just a few days away, it is a good time to recognize how we as Americans are “able to choose our leaders because more than a million people from the dawn of our country to this moment have given their lives and sacrificed for the freedoms that we are so lucky to have in this country.”
“We can speak as we choose, worship as we choose and, in my mind as the former secretary of the state, we have the freedom to choose who our elected officials,” the lieutenant governor related before asking all veterans in the room to stand.
Bysiewicz then proceeded to invite winners who attended the ceremony to the front of the room to be sworn in office by office. Several family members stood by their loved one as they took the oath.Â
Those sworn into office at the ceremony included Justin Potter for zoning board of appeals; Donna Hayes and Darrell Cherniske for the planning and zoning commission; Gary Ford for board of assessment appeals; Heather Brand, Anthony DiPentima and Cinda Clark for board of education; Glenn Sanchez and Nancy O’Dea Wyrick for board of finance; Deborah Devaux for tax collector; Darlene Brady for town clerk; Lynn Worthington and Lynn Harrington for selectmen; and Eric Epstein for first selectman.
After all those present accepted the oath, Bysiewicz called Epstein to the lectern.
“I look forward to working with you to ensure that Kent continues to be successful,” the lieutenant governor said to Epstein, noting that she previously worked with his mother Ruth, who was a past first selectman in town.
Epstein thanked Bysiewicz for attending the ceremony and acknowledged her “continued support of small towns like ours across Connecticut.”
In his four-minute address, Epstein extended his thanks and appreciation to the voters, his family and friends, and to outgoing First Selectman Marty Lindenmayer, who attended the ceremony.
“I need to thank first, my family for putting up with me as I take this journey,” Epstein began. “I know this will mean more nights away from home, missed dinners and a few late bedtimes. Your love, patience and presence mean the world to me.”
“To my friends and neighbors, thank you for your support and your ideas, and your belief in me and what we can achieve together,” he said. “We can point to the dedicated town employees, board members and current leaders… Thank you for all you do every day to make Kent a better place. You’re the backbone of this town.”
Epstein expressed his gratitude to those who put their “trust” in him, saying that being elected as first selectman as an “honor” and “privilege.” He described Kent as a “true small town with a big heart, a place where community spirit runs deep, where we take care of one another.”
“My promise to you is that I will work every single day to honor that spirit,” he said. “I want you to know that my commitment is to you is simple – to listen, to serve, and to lead with integrity. My door will always be open I will do my best to represent all voices to seek common ground even when we disagree and to always keep the long-term well-being the center of every decision.”
Epstein recognized the new selectmen, Lynn Worthington and Lynn Harrington, and the collaboration they will have as they face issues in town.
“I have no doubt that we will listen to one another…. the challenges ahead will require creativity, communication, and cooperation, whether it’s maintaining our infrastructure, supporting our schools, or protecting our environment,” he said.
Epstein wrapped up his speech, thanking Lindenmayer for his “leadership, vision and achievements over the past two years” and the guidance he is providing during the transition of administrations.
Lindenmayer’s term ends Tuesday, Nov. 18.
After, attendees took photographs and enjoyed an array of refreshments.
