The inauguration ceremony was held at South Middle School where 23 newly elected and incumbent members of the City Council, School Committee, Westfield Gas and Electric Commission and a Westfield Athenaeum trustee took their oath of office. Watch video
WESTFIELD – Mayor Daniel M. Knapik was sworn into his third consecutive term in office and all elected city officials took their oaths as well Monday morning in a ceremony heralded as a model of democracy.
“There are no career politicians here,” Knapik told the audience. “Just average citizens who want to work together to keep moving Westfield forward.”
The inauguration ceremony was held at South Middle School where 23 newly elected and incumbent members of the City Council, School Committee, Westfield Gas and Electric Commission and a Westfield Athenaeum trustee all raised their right hands and swore to serve the city and those who voted for them.
While swearing in Knapik, City Clerk Karen Fanion mistakenly called him by his brother’s name, former state Sen. Michael R. Knapik, who was in the audience. Standing on the South Middle School auditorium stage, the mayor noted that he and his brother attended the school where he was often called by his brother’s name.
“It take it as a great compliment,” he said.
On a more serious noted, Knapik said being given a third opportunity to lead the city “is a high honor and privilege.”
“I’m humbled by and grateful for the trust that has been placed in use,” he said of himself and the other officials.
Just as he did on the campaign trail, Knapik touted as his accomplishments downtown revitalization, improvements to Barnes Regional Airport, the renovation of City Hall and successfully emerging from one of the greatest economic downturns in history.
“We weathered the great recession and came out stronger,” Knapik noted.
He also mentioned the ongoing efforts to revitalize the Elm Street corridor with the planned Gaslight District and the continuation of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail.
“We’re looking forward to the historic downtown restoration, the we’re planning on having the Columbia Greenway trail done by fall 2014. The end if finally within sight.”
The mayor acknowledged that there are times when elected officials disagree, but vowed to continue providing effective leadership.
“I will enlist every resource I can to make sure your voices are heard,” he said.