Scott Lennon | Newton MA News and Politics BlogIn comments for the post about Mayor Setti Warren’s address, some of you expressed interest in seeing the text of President of the Board of Alderman Scott Lennon’s remarks. I asked him for them, and he generously replied with the below. He noted that he did ad-lib from his notes for the actual speech, so if you think you heard some minor differences in the live speech, you probably did.

 

Good afternoon everyone and Happy New Year!

I would like to thank my colleagues for re-electing a proud, lifelong son of Nonantum to lead our body for another term. I am humbled & honored by your support and I will continue to work as hard as I can to make you proud of the leader that you’ve elected.

I love the job as President but it’s not an easy one at times…I used to have a head of hair like Alderman Ciccone when I started!

I felt we had a great Board last term. We worked hard and got much accomplished.

I would like to take a minute to say goodbye to former colleagues Ald. Linsky, Swiston, Fischman. This past term we also lost our dear friend Ald. Merrill who we dedicated our term to. His desk remained empty and we kept his light on to let him know we were thinking about him.

I would also like to thank the contributions of S/C members Epstein, Yeo, Sokoloff.

Looking forward, I would like to give a warm welcome to Ald. Leary, Norton, Cote and Lipof and S/C members Gibson, Albright, Goldman. Enjoy today as it is a wonderful experience to share with family & friends

Congratulations to BOA leaders VP Lappin and President Emeritus Baker. They are great colleagues to work with and I appreciate your support and counsel.

Congrats to new SC leadership Matt Hills and Margie Decter. Look forward to working closely with all of you!

One special note: I have learned this is the first time ever in city history that four females represent a ward (2), Ald. Marcia Johnson, Susan Albright, Emily Norton and S/C member  Margaret Albright – I would like to ask for a special round of applause.

I’ve mentioned the new term; I’ve mentioned the new faces. Along with both of those we will no doubt embark on new challenges; As I have been preaching for four years, we will embark on them together; On a variety of fiscal, operational and programmatic levels we have lots to do but it will only work if we to continue to do it together;

We have had unprecedented levels of communication between the Board, the School Committee and the Executive Office but it can always improve. We can take it to next the level so all residents will know what we mean, and be part of, ‘by doing it together.’

Mr. Mayor, you will continue to have working partners with the Board as we work toward our common goal of insuring Newton is a model community throughout the commonwealth & the nation. Lets’ build on the foundation we laid over the last four years and Let’s continue to work hard and challenge each other to be better representatives for our citizens.

A few pieces of business before I wrap up:

I would like to introduce the Chairs and Vice Chairs who will guide our committee work through the incoming term:

  • Public Safety & Transportation: Ald. Jay Ciccone /Ald. Jay Harney
  • Programs & Services: Ald. Amy Sangiolo / Ald. John Rice
  • Public Facilities: Ald. Deb Crossley / Ald. Susan Albright
  • Finance: Ald. Len Gentile / Ald. Ruthanne Fuller
  • ZAP: Ald. Marcia Johnson / Ald. Vicki Danberg
  • Land Use: Ald. Marc Laredo / Ald. Greg Schwartz
  • Ad Hoc Committee for Real Property Re-Use: Ald. Susan Albright / Ald. Ted Hess Mahan

I would like to take a moment to thank:

  • David Olson and his staff. They work very hard and do a tremendous job;
  • Dick and Mildred Hutchinson – Who come to every single full Board and committee meeting;
  • NewTV – Who are also at every single Board meeting and they are able to bring our work into every home in Newton.

They are a great organization!

I would like to personally thank:

  • my wife Wendy;
  • my daughter Jenna, who along with Alderman Salvucci, is a little under the weather so neither could be here today and;
  • my parents;

I look forward to leading you all through the next term where we will continue to be an efficient, strong, effective legislative voice for the City of Newton.

Enjoy the rest of your afternoon and again, Happy New Year!