001One, two, one, two, check. One, two, one, two, check. One, two, three. Heat. Heat. Hey. Okay, we're about to begin. So, if everyone can make sure they take their seats, just get everyone to set up for a moment. Let's begin the evening. Mr. Assistant city cler clerk Peter Npalitano. Would you please have our invited guests enter the assembly escorted by police chief Paul Strong and Fire Chief Joseph Hickey. Oh my god. Christmas. Next of the assembly is the school committee. They are led by David Okconor, the clerk of the school committee, the assistant superintendent, Margaret Adams, Dennis Lynch, and Christopher Barrett. Aid of the city councilor, Mr. Sia, would you please escort the city council elect into the assembly? Amen. May we all please stand. Mr. legislative aid to the city council. Michael Mangan, would
002you please escort Mayor Elect Robert J. Vancampen and his family into the auditorium? Heat. Heat. Reverend Re uh we can uh the music. Thank you. Reverend Clergy, distinguished guests, Governor Haley, Congresswoman Presley, Mayor Elect Van Campen, elected members of the city council and school committee, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the 2026 City of Everett inaugural exercises. I'm going to have you please stay standing for a little while. I'm going to first call on Chief Paul Strong of the Ever Police Department and Chief Joseph Hickey of the Ever Fire Department to step forward for the presentation of the colors by the Everett Police and Fire Honor God. >> Honor present colors. Flip flip rock lift drop lift. lift right left. Get away. H left First present pass. Heat. Heat. Thank you. Heat. Heat. All our eggs.
003Thank you. >> Friend of the moment. I'm going to now call on John F. Hman who will lead us in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, Mr. H. And just one more and then we can be seated. Please um remain standing and join me in welcoming Father James Barry who will offer the invocation. Father Barry, gracious and loving God, father of us all. Tonight we gather to offer praise and thanks to you for your many blessings and especially on this night that you continue to bless the city of Everett under the leadership of our newly elected mayor, Robert Vancampen. May he recognize that
004every person in the city of ever is his brother or sister deserving of his utmost respect, his attentive listening, his compassionate care and love. Amid all the differences that may exist in the city of Everett, as in any community, may our new mayor and his administration serve with a heartfelt desire and intention to promote the common good, with transparency, with accountability. May he rejoice with everyone when things are working out well. May he be willing to change when things are not be benefiting the whole community. May he work to build relationships so that we can truly be a people that suffers with those who are suffering and rejoice with those who rejoice. May his leadership call all of us to be responsible members of the city of Everett. We ask you to bless our new
005mayor and all of us. And this night we place our prayer before you in his holy name. Amen. >> Thank you, Father. Chief Hickey, would you please dismiss the colors? retire the rifleman post forward drop clip drop clip clip Your leg drop lift lift lb lift lift. You may now be seated. January 2nd, 1893 was our first inaugural address where city clerk John Canel would swear in our first city government after voting to change from a town former government. A historic moment at the time. Over a century has gone by and tonight, after 18 years under the leadership of Mayor Di Maria, the city of Everett will now have new leadership under Mayor Vancampen and a new city council and school committee. But that isn't the only historic thing happening this evening. For the first
006time in Evers history, I will swear in seven women city councilors and six women school committee members. Woo! A historic moment because this will be the first time in ever's history that the elected members of either branch are pres represented by a majority of women. Let's congratulate all the elected members of government for this historic moment. And thank you to the voters that elected the mayor. I'm going to leave you I like to do a few quotes. So I'm going to leave you with an anonymous quote. Democracy is a slow process of stumbling to the right decision instead of going straight forward to the wrong one. I would like to take this opportunity now to introduce our distinguished guests that do not have a speaking role in this evening's program. I would like to start
007with our state senator S demeno, our state representative, Joseph McGonagal, Middle Sex County District Attorney, Marian Ryan, Middle Sex County Clerk of Courts, Michael Sullivan, Superintendent of the Ever Public Schools, William Hart, and our three assistant superintendent, Margaret Adams, Dennis Lynch, and Christopher Barrett. I'd like to also welcome to the stage the assistant city clerk to the uh Peter Npalitano, legislative aid to the city council, Michael Mangan, and legislative aid to the city council, Nicholas Sire. And we do have in the audience our other legislative aid, David Flood. And I I will say that uh Mr. Burley, our clerk of committees. Everyone knows Mr. Burley is a little under the weather, so he's unable to come tonight, but he's served this city for about 46 consecutive years. So, we want to give him a little
008uh thanks for what he's done for this community. And we miss you, Joe. Get better soon. But I left someone out. We have one more distinguished guest to introduce this evening. But before we announce this guest, I'd like to ask Mayor Elect Robert Vancampen to join me on the podium where we say a few words. Our last guest has been in public elected office or elected or appointed office since he was first elected to the board of alderman seat in W 5 in 1967. He would serve as alderman mayor. he would serve on the new city council until recently, but I left one out because I believe his favorite position he ever served was city clerk. For nearly 18 years, he served in that position. Mr. Mayor, I'm going to turn this moment over to
009you. >> Thank you, uh, Clerk Conneal. It really is a a pleasure to recognize someone who has given um his lifetime to the city of Everett um in a number of roles which the city clerk just referenced. But I I would like to call uh John Hanland before us. So, so before John John I just want to say on bees welld deserved John on behalf of the entire city of ever on behalf of the people of ever who you have served for decades and uh you know people may not know Mr. Hanland's age but I can tell you he looks about 20 years younger than he actually is. So uh John it it's my pleasure uh as the incoming mayor to have this honor to present you with this plaque on behalf of the people
010of ever on behalf of the city of Everett. Yeah. So, I'm just going to read the plaque. Councelor John F. Hanland, for your more than 50 years of devoted service to the city of Everett. Your vision, professionalism, and dedication of public service have left a lasting impact on the community and its future. The city of Everett thanks councelor John F. Hanland for his lifetime of service to our community. given this fifth day of January 2026 presented by the entire city government. John, >> thank you. >> And I'll be calling you tomorrow morning >> when I need to learn how to um you may all said thank you. As you can tell, that was a surprise for Mr. Hanland. We didn't tell him that was going to happen. It wasn't on the program. We we have
011tonight two special guests in the auditorium tonight. First will be our governor who will bring the greetings of the Commonwealth. Let us give a warm welcome to our governor, Governor Mora Haley. Oh, thank you. Well, good evening, Everett. >> You know, I I see in the program that you were going to get greetings from the Commonwealth. I was the best they could do tonight. All right. They sent me out. Um, but honestly, it was my my joy and my choice to be with you all tonight to celebrate this wonderful evening, this wonderful tradition here in America. A tradition, frankly, local government that was born right from this very place and region. So, I want to uh express in the first instance my gratitude for the invitation. Thank you so much, Mr. Clerk. Um, thank you
012so much, Mr. Mayor. and it's been wonderful getting to know you. I look forward to a partnership of what we can do together. I'm grateful also to First Lady Lisa and to your daughter and your son because we know in these jobs the whole family serves and we thank them for their work ahead and and we extend that thanks to the families of course of members of the city council and the school committee. Um, congratulations to members of the school committee and the city council who are being sworn in today. Um, special uh, acknowledgement to my dear friend Maronei Omeos on the school committee. Um, I noticed so I see there are a lot of women on these committees. Marone is okay with that. Trust me, he's okay with women in leadership. Um, what an
013honor it is to be here alongside our fantastic Congresswoman Ayanna Presley who represents not just this district but all of Massachusetts so brilliantly in DC. And speaking of representation, no finer a delegation led of course by Senator Sal Domenico, Representative Joe McGonagal who are here tonight. Um, thank you gentlemen both for everything we've been able to do the last few years together and and uh thank you for always always inviting me. Make no mistake about it, any event I do, S is the first to make sure that I have the Everett High School band at every single event. The worldrenowned high school band. We love you guys. Thank you for bringing such pride to Massachusetts. Yes. And how about band shout out for the orchestra, huh? Didn't they do a great job? Thank you to
014the orchestra for the beautiful rendition of the anthem. Uh to district attorney Marian Ryan, clerk Michael Sullivan, to all the clergy who've joined us here tonight. Um, I want to thank all of the the folks who work in government, all the municipal leaders, but public servants who show up every day to get it done. Um, that includes, of course, our chiefs, Chief Strong and the Ever Police, Chief Hickey and the fire department, Superintendent Hart, and all the school leaders and staff, but the public works employees, the folks who are working in the libraries and administrative support and elections and tech and council staff and everybody else who makes this city go every day. Thank you all for what you do. And thank you to all of the veterans who are here tonight and watching from
015home. You've made possible all the freedoms that we enjoy today. And we're grateful for your service. And finally, I want to thank the young people. You know, tonight as I came into the building, I was greeted by student ambassadors and it warmed my heart to meet these young people and um each of them had different experiences. Um it was such an Everett story, you know, when I asked them where they were from, where their families were from. Um it was so beautifully Everett and it's a reason that I love this community so much. For a good 10 years, I had the privilege of being your neighbor next door in Charles Town. Don't hold it against me. Um, I appreciated uh uh the relationship between the two and uh boy, Sullivan Square, right? How's the traffic?
016Somebody somebody will work on that. Um, but you know, these young people, it just reminds me about what this is all about, right? And what tonight is all about and those who work in government and with government endeavor to do every day, which is to make life better for people and to make things possible. And we do that in this country as we've been doing it the last 250 years. This year we celebrate the founding of this great nation, 1776. Massachusetts is where it all started. Make no mistake about it. It's where American democracy was born. And how did that start? It started with local government, ordinary people in towns and cities across Massachusetts who then stepped forward to defend their communities. is a militia that was formed right here in Everett that played a
017key role not only in Lexington and conquered and Bunker Hill but far beyond. This is how the American Revolution began and we've been celebrating that legacy across Massachusetts ever since. This year of course events are going to ramp up as we build towards the greatest July 4th fireworks spectacular we've we've ever seen. And a lot of course has changed since 1776. A lot has changed. But I know that the fundamentals of what is good and decent and right in this country haven't. And we're not going to in Massachusetts. You know, I see in Everett and across this state, people who work hard, who look after their kids, who care about their communities, their seniors, their neighborhoods, people who are striving for a better life and to make life better for other people. And when they
018see a need or an opportunity, they step forward to serve. Whether that's in a volunteer role or in public service, coaching, elected office, you name it. I see people stepping up beautifully and I see that local government and local community are absolutely essential to our democracy and our way of life in a moment where people maybe feel alienated or distant from government. Local government is what gives people trust. It gives people trust. And that's why I commend everybody here who is sworn in tonight and who is serving. It is truly a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It's a sacred calling that we honor this evening. It's also what America needs right now, a way forward together, inspired by the unity, the diversity in this room and in our local
019communities. Um, and to that end, I want to say something to our Venezuelan brothers and sisters. We have a lot of Venezuelan family members here in Massachusetts who are understandably concerned about events and things that are happening and our thoughts are with them and we're praying for everyone's safety and we are going to continue to support all of our immigrant communities as so many in Everett have done year after year after year. And as the granddaughter of immigrants who probably could not fathom that their granddaughter would one day be the 73rd governor, I just want to say in Massachusetts, we know who we are. We know what powers this country. We're going to stand together. We are not going to change who we are or what we are about. Now, Everett, and I mean that.
020I mean that. It is important in this moment that we affirm the dignity and the respect and the worth of every human being in our community and what they bring to bear and how they make us better. And Everett, as I say, is what makes so much of our state special. And it's why we as an administration value Everett as a partner. It's why we invest in this community, in the schools, in the parks, the roads, the bridges, the tea, um in housing where we're working together to build more homes and bring down costs. We're working on building 100,000 homes right now across Massachusetts as we speak. And um and Everett is a leader. Everett is a leader because you believe in being a home for everyone. Now you have elected a mayor who is
021so clearly committed to this city's future. Mayor Vancampen, you are grounded by years of public service and community service from your time on the board of alderman to the city council. Um you're committed to building trust in government to bringing people together which is so so important. You're also committed to strengthening the connection that every resident feels to their community and to their government. You're someone who's raised your children in this great city and you understand how important that is, too. The people of this city have put their confidence in you. They put their confidence in you in what is a challenging time, challenging moment, but we know that you are more than up to the up to the task and the responsibility. And I just want you to know, mayor, you got a partner
022in me. You got a partner in a former mayor, our lieutenant governor, Kim Driscoll, and all of our administration. Because just as American democracy was built by public service in towns and cities of Massachusetts, our future will be rebuilt by those who serve in local communities here in Everett and across our great state. So on behalf of our administration and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, congratulations once again to Mayor Vancampen and all who serve the great great city of Everett. God bless and we wish you all the success in the years ahead. Thank you, Governor Haley. That was great. Next, let's welcome our other special guest, our Congresswoman, bringing the greetings of the House of House House of Representatives all the way from Washington, Congresswoman Ayana Presley. Good evening. I hardly feel like a special guest.
023I feel very at home, especially here um at EHS. Ehs rises. It's wonderful to be back here with this incredible uh marching band orchestra. I've spent time with the culinary arts students as well throughout the years. Incredible program, the government students, incredible ambassadors. Uh you are not the future. Um you are already you're not future leaders. You are already leading. And so can we just uh just one more time commend our extraordinary young people. Now I know uh there are many uh faith traditions that are represented uh here on the dis today. Now I have been confirmed in the Methodist church and baptized in the Baptist church. Uh this evening I will try to lean on my Methodist roots and not my Baptist ones. Uh which means I will air towards brevity. Okay. Um but
024before I get in uh to my brief remarks uh and again I thank you for the invitation to join you here today. Um I do uh want to uh thank our indomitable uh governor uh at a time. It feels so good to be home. Um it is a great honor to serve as the congresswoman representing the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District. Um but there is a chaos that abounds in Washington in this moment and you certainly deserve a functional government. Um and so in the midst of that chaos, uh it is uh wonderful to have a governor uh that has stood shoulder-to-shoulder in defense of um our values as a commonwealth and who has been a great partner. Um also uh my my my brother in service uh uh state senator Saudi Dominico, I'm so grateful
025to you. Thank you for standing in the gap. Yes. Let's clap for our governor and our state senator. do not take their leadership for granted. Again, I'm so grateful uh that they continue to stand in the gap and to be uh partners in this unprecedented moment uh for uh Everett, for our commonwealth and for our country. I thank Representative McGonagal as well, Superintendent Hart, Clerk of Court Sullivan, uh Middle Sex DA, uh Marian Ryan, um Bishop, Father, Rabbi, Reverend again, uh all of our faith leaders. Um, as someone uh who grew up in the church, I certainly do believe in the power of prayer. Um, and there is an adage that says when you pray, move your feet. So, we will continue to pray and we will continue to move our feet in the work
026of taking care of one another. Okay, one more one more clap on that. Uh, I also want to say how extraordinary it is to be here with you uh for these inaugur inaugural um exercises. Uh, in that I served on the Boston City Council for eight years. Um, so I know how hard um each and every one of these public servants work uh in the school committee on city council. And I also uh for two of my uh terms on the Boston City Council, I was the only woman. And when I um departed that body and was elected to Congress, uh there was unprecedented representation of women on that body. And a reporter had asked me um what do you think? Is this like a a a wave, a new trend, a magic that all
027these women are getting elected at every level at unprecedented uh representation? And I said, "No, it's because we're damn good and we're here to stay." So, let's give it up to uh every member of the Ever City Council, the Ever School Committee, um and to our mayor. Um can you feel a brand new day? Uh can you feel a brand new day? Uh we are on the precipice of one here in Everett. Uh Mayor Vancampen, thank you for the invitation to join you here today. Um and uh I don't know maybe maybe the governor might take umbrage with this point but governor uh many have uh maintained that there is no harder job than being a mayor. Um it is uh it is hard uh but it is some of the most meaningful uh rewarding
028work that one can do. Uh and so we thank you for um for picking up that mantel and I look forward to working in partnership with you on behalf of the people of this great city. All right. Now, you know, inaugurations are moments of promise. They invite us to imagine what is possible, to envision a future that is more just, that is more equitable, more humane than the past that we have endured. But they are also moments of truth. And truth requires us to name the pain we carry with us into this new chapter. When the current administration vowed to bring hell to Boston, we knew exactly what that meant for cities like Everett, like Chelsea, like Rivere, workingass cities, immigrant cities, resilient cities. We watched as cruelty was dressed up as policy. We watched
029as fear was weaponized and some of our most essential neighbors were reduced to talking points and quotas. To the Trump administration, immigrants, our numbers on a spreadsheet. To the people of Everett, they are our neighbors, our students, our co-workers, our loved ones, people we live with, work, and worship with. The administration claimed to target the undocumented while systemically dismantling legal immigration pathways, cancelling naturalization ceremonies, and ripping away green cards from people who followed the rules but were simply born in the wrong place. They claimed to uphold law and order while descending on our neighborhood in unmarked vehicles, harboring terror, abducting women, children, and innocent bystanders. And yet Everett has endured. As the saying goes, tough times don't last, but tough people do. And the people of Everett are tough. You have continued to show up.
030You have organized. You have asked hard questions. You have held myself and my colleagues accountable. You have demanded more. You have showed up at the ballot box. You have showed up in church basement. You have showed up at faith houses. You have showed up to volunteer at food pantries because Everett is a city that takes care of its own. You have stood by your neighbors. You have invested in immigrant-owned small businesses. I'll say nothing of your restaurants because every time I leave Everett, I leave with a full heart and an even fuller belly. Here, community is not just a word. It is a practice. And as we continue to confront an administration that governs through division and fear, every must continue to rely on one another across neighborhoods, across languages, across lines of difference. There
031are two lessons I carry with me as I close from my time on the Boston City Council. We begin every meeting uh with the pledge of allegiance. And I would always uh amend that final line with liberty and justice for all someday. Each of you give me hope that we are getting closer to that someday with community and solidarity. One of the greatest lessons I learned from my time on the council is that lasting change requires real partnership across local, state, and federal government. A partnership that is rooted, Mr. Mayor, in trust, in accountability, in transparency, and in shared purpose. Every day, my team and I are proud to work alongside Everett's leaders to protect and uplift this community. But let us be clear, these are not normal times. This moment demands of us courage,
032clarity, and moral leadership. And leadership is not about comfort. It never has been. It's about conscience. And this moment calls on all of us to meet it with boldness and with radical love. I'm so proud to call the Massachusetts 7th my home. I'm proud to represent the great city of Everett in the United States Congress. And I'm proud to stand here with you tonight. Mayor Vancampen, members of the city council, members of the school committee. Congratulations. Let us govern with compassion. Let us lead with courage and hope that that courage is contagious. And let us keep showing up for all the people of Everett. Thank you, Congresswoman Presley. Now to give inspirational remarks is Reverend Mrandro Rogers from the Ever Haitian Community Center. Reverend Desro. Good evening. Would you be in agreement with me, our
033governor, our state rep, and our officials today and give really a real heartfelt applaud to the new mayor of Everett and the new administration. not only as a clergy, as somebody who serves uh you know in social justice in the city of Everett through the Everett Haitian Community Center, but also as a resident of Everett. I am honored to join with you tonight in living this historic moment with you and just to share a few words. uh governor has just mentioned and I thought that did they read my speech um that it's a new season beginning and said if you agree it's a new beginning and then we'll say tonight yes it is the season for a new beginning but not just a new beginning a new beginning in the right directions a new beginning
034in the right direction. Yes, it is the season. Uh in Ecclesiastes chapter 3 verse 1, King Solomon known for his unmatched wisdom said to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. And tonight, Everett, this is your new season. The scripture tells us that life in its cycles is wonderfully measured by seasons and stages. For example, winter begins with a cold bed of snow and spring begins the sprouting of a new life. So how great a confidence this brings us to know that we can expect a warmer season after a colder one. So Everett, we are in a new season. In a season that we are ready with the almighty God that he has allows us to enjoy to embrace today. change, a new beginning in the right directions. And are
035you ready to embrace and navigate this change and this new beginning with our new mayor? Oh yes, we can. And yes, we real in the name of Jesus. In the ideal of new beginnings, Winston Treill once said, "There's nothing wrong with change with new beginning as long as it is in the right direction." Meaning that the value of new beginnings, the value of change lies in the direction it takes, shaping experiences, molding the future. Now, how do we know for certain this change, this new beginning, this new season is in the right direction? And secondly, but who decides also that it is in the right direction? Well, the Bible informs us that a new beginning in the right direction requires boldly challenging the status quo in hope and faith, knowing that God has a good
036plan for his children. As it says in Jeremiah 11:9, it also gives us another compass. It has to bravely disrupts the familiar with strength. in transition just like Moses inspired Joshua to lead the nation of Israel. And so tonight, with God's help, you, the body of the city of Everett, Mr. Mayor, you can have the strength to lead with boldness and bravery. Knowing that this is the right direction, we know because it directs us all of us call ever who call Everett home towards progress in community building in supporting goals, values, needs, fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration, creating, nurturing, and sustaining relationships. Although we have differences if you look at the landscape of the city of Everett and I would say if you haven't had the chance even Mr. mayor to get into
037uh one of the building I think uh right on Broadway especially right after school. You will see the beauty of ever goes beyond the beautiful um structures that we have, the beautiful infrastructures, impressive infrastructures. But the beauty is when you see the children coming out of school, parents from all backgrounds, colors like a mosaic coming out, and you take a look over Broadway and you see that beauty. That's our Everett. That's the Everett God has bestowed upon you today rightly so to cover. And lastly, following what God says that we know that it is in the right direction beyond access and developing big structures and economic development and also building community unity collaboration. It's also what the prophet Micah asked which was a crucial question to the leadership and the people of the 8th century
038BCE in the Judeian society says well in all this leaders what does God ask of you? Hallelujah Gloria what does God ask of you Mr. mayor. It says it's very simple in Micah chapter 6 verse8. And it is fitting because I was recently in Washington DC at the National Bible Society and I was looking at the Bible that the former great Jimmy President Jimmy Carter uh was inaugurated on used and the chapter that is open is Micah that he used is Micah chapter 68 and this is really simple leadership. Simple, nothing fancy. The prophet Micah asked, "What does God expect of us to do to be called good leaders to be to say that we are in the right direction?" And it says, "You men, the Lord has shown you what goodness is. What does
039he ask of you in return? This is what he wants you to do. Be fair to the people. Love kindness and loyalty. And humbly obey your God. And so tonight, Mr. Mayor, we know you have started in the right directions as hundreds and thousands of heins voted for you utilize their God-given power. And so we say tonight with faith and hope, we are with you in this journey. And may God bless you and your governance. Praise the Lord. Thank you, Reverend Merlan, for those beautiful words. Now, in accordance with chapter 54, section 137 of the general laws, I, Sergio Canelio, city clerk of the city of Everett, do hereby declare that the returns of the elections of officers of the city of Everett are true returns of the vote cast at set election held November
0404th, 2025, and that the following candidates are hereby declared elected to their respected offices. for a term of four years. Robert J. Vancampen, Mayor for a term of two years. We're going to start with the city council. Gerene Elsie Jabu, councelor at lodge. Michael K. Marquesi, counselor at Lodge. >> Wayne A. Matuski, counselor at large. Katie L. Rogers, counselor at Lodge. Stephanie V. Smith, counselor at Lodge. Michelle Capone, counselor Wood One, Counselor, excuse me, Stephanie N. Mount Martins, counselor Wood 2. Anthony Diro, counselor Wood 3. Holly Deanna Garcia, counselor Wood 4, Vivian Wen, counselor Wood Five, and last but not least, Peter Npalitano, excuse me, Peter Petrantonio, Counselor Wood 6. Sorry, I caught my assistant out of the corner of my eye. School committee now. Millie J. Cardelloo, school committee at large. Samantha Hurley, school
041committee at large. We have some band fans up there. Joseph A. Lam Monica, School Committee at Lodge. Margaret A. Cornelio, School Committee, Ward One. Joanna Michelle Garin, School Committee, Ward Two. Jeannie M. Cristiano, school committee ward three. Robin M. Babcock, school committee ward 4. Maronei Almeida Baros, school committee ward five. and Joseph A. Denafhrio school committee ward six. Time to bring the glasses. The above name being duly certified and qualified are hereby authorized to stand before the citizenry of Everett here and assembled to take the oath of office. We are going to begin at this time with the honorable members elect of the school committee. Please stand so I may administer to you the oath of office. Raise your right hand and repeat after me. After I say I, you say your name and we
042do that three different portions. That one. Are we ready? I >> I >> do solemnly swear >> domly swear >> that I'll faithfully and impartially >> that I faithfully andartially >> discharge and perform >> all the duties incumbent upon me >> as a member of the school committee >> for the city of Everett >> for the city of Ever >> according to the best of my abilities >> according to the best of my ability >> and understanding Agrival to the rules >> agreeable to the rules >> regulations >> laws >> ordinances and charter >> of the city of ever >> so help me God >> I I ever >> do solemnly swear >> that I'll bear true faith and allegiance >> to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts >> and I'll support the laws >> and constitution
043ution in our constitution >> of the Commonwealth. >> So help me God. >> I I >> to solemnly swearly >> swear >> that I'll bear true faith and allegiance >> to the United States of America. >> And I'll support the laws >> and Constitution >> of the United States. >> So help me God. Congratulations to our new school committee. You may take your seats. At this time, I ask the honorable members elect of the city council to please stand so that I may administer to you the oath of office. Raise your right hand and repeat after me the same way. I >> I >> do solemnly swear >> tomly swear >> that I'll faithfully and impartially >> discharge and perform >> all the duties incumbent upon me >> as a city counselor >> as a
044city councelor >> for the city of Everett >> according to the best of my abilities >> and understanding >> agreeable to the rules >> regulations laws >> laws, >> ordinances, and charter >> ordinances and charter >> of the city of Everett. >> So help me God. >> I do solemnly swear >> toly swear >> that I'll bear true faith and allegiance >> I'll bear true faith and allegiance >> to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. >> And I'll support the laws >> I'll support the laws >> and Constitution >> of the Commonwealth. >> So help me God. I >> I >> do solemnly swear >> solemnly swear >> that I'll bear true faith and allegiance >> I'll bear true faith and allegiance >> to the United States of America >> and I'll support the laws >> and
045Constitution >> of the United States. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations to our new city council. And now, mayor elect Robert J. Vancampen, would you and your family please step forward so that I may administer to you the oath of office as the new mayor of the city of I'm gonna have you step up here. Yeah, Lily and John just a little bit forward and then uh we'll have them come up. You can take some photos. I know take some photos. We'll just talk a moment and then I'll show you in this clerk. >> Mayor elect, please place your hand on the Bible, right hand, and repeat after me. I >> I Robert James Vancampen >> do solemnly swear >> that I'll faithfully and impartially >> that I will faithfully and impartially >> discharge
046and perform >> all the duties incumbent upon me >> as mayor >> for the city of Everett >> according to the best of my abilities >> and understanding >> agreeable to the rules and regulations >> and regulations >> laws >> ordinances and charter >> of the city of Everett. So help me God. >> So help me God. >> I, Robert James Vancampen, >> do solemnly swear >> that I'll bear true faith and allegiance >> that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. >> And I'll support the laws >> And I will support the laws >> and Constitution >> of the Commonwealth. >> So help me God. I >> I, Robert James Vancampen, >> do solemnly swear >> that I'll bear true faith and allegiance >> that I will bear
047true faith and allegiance >> to the United States of America >> and I'll support the laws >> and I will support the laws >> and Constitution >> of the United States. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations, Mr. Mayor. Congratulations to our new mayor. One second. Thank you. The mayor is going to bring his family back to the seat, but I'm going to ask um ladies and gentlemen, it is now my distinct pleasure to introduce for the purpose of delivering his inaugural address, Mayor Robert J. Vancample. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very I can see you band. I got you up there. Thank you very much. Good evening. Let me repeat that. Good evening, >> Governor Healey, Representative Presley, District Attorney Ryan, Clerk of Court Sullivan, members of the state delegation, Senator
048D. Dominico, Representative McGonagal, members of the city council, my friends, uh, members of the school committee, uh, former Melrose mayors, uh, Inferna and Dolan, my mentors who are here this evening, Reverend clergy, Lisa, Lily, and John, Mama to my sisters, to my father and brother in heaven who I'm sure are beaming with pride right now, to the rest of my family, friends, and my fellow citizens. I am deeply honored to stand before you as mayor of the city of Everett this evening. I do so with a deep sense of humility, a clear understanding of the challenges ahead, and a commitment to put every single person in this community at the center of each decision I will make for the next four years. I'm also honored to be mayor of a community that boasts such incredibly
049talented young people. Would you please join me in recognizing our great student ambassadors who made sure we were where we needed to be tonight. and to our incredible musicians who are with us this evening up in the balcony and here in the orchestra whose talents are on full display tonight. Thank you guys very much. I would also like to take a moment to express my gratitude to my predecessor, Mayor Carlo Di Maria, for his years of dedicated service to our community. His leadership and commitment have helped guide this city through challenges and opportunities, always with a clear focus on moving our city forward. On behalf of the people of Everett, I thank him for his stewardship these past 18 years and wish him continued success in the next chapter of his life. I also want
050to thank my family for their constant support, particularly my wife Lisa, Everett's new first lady for completing the person you see before you this evening. Like me, the people of Everett will fall in love with your combination of great grace spunk and your unassuming manner. To my children, Lily and John, I may hold a new title tonight, but being your father is the greatest title I will ever have. Thank you for the privilege of being your dad, even though you guys make fun of me most of the time. I also want to particularly thank Father James Barry for opening our inaugural exercises with prayer this evening. You married Lisa and I. You baptized Lily and John. You have been there during some of the happiest and saddest moments for my family. Your presence this evening
051means a great deal to us and I wanted to publicly thank you. Well, I assume office today. This moment belongs not to one person but to an entire city. A city built by generations of hardworking families. To the parents who immigrated here with nothing but hope for a better life for their children. To the small business owners who unlock their doors before sunrise and close after sunset humbly keeping our neighborhoods alive. to the union workers who fight for fair wages and teach us what solidarity, something near and dear to me, really looks like. To the firefighters, police officers, teachers, and city workers who show up on weekends, holidays, and in the hardest moments, never for recognition, but because this city depends on them. This is your moment, too. to our female elected officials. I am
052deeply proud to begin my tenure in office while working with a city council and school committee that will for the first time in our city's history be represented by a majority of women. And I have to say, as the youngest of five children, three of whom are women, I have been made to master the art of navigating this dynamic quite effectively throughout my life. I feel very much at home being outnumbered and look forward to our shared work on behalf of the people of Everett. Ladies, this moment is yours, too. We are a city with an incredible history and unlimited potential. Tonight, the people of Everett, a community defined by a proud industrial past that shaped the United States of America in the 20th century and gave thousands of Everett families their chance at the
053American dream are ready to write a new chapter. While I may hold the pen to write that new chapter, that story will be told by the people of Everett from our Woodlon section to West Everett, from the line to North Everett and everywhere in between. It will be told by every student, young and old, who dreams of greatness, and by every hard-working educator who helps those dreams come true. You will help write this new chapter. To our incredible business community, our partners in creating a thriving local economy, you will help write this next chapter. To all of our dedicated public servants who have devoted their professional lives to improving and protecting our community, you will help write this next chapter. This chapter will be written within the walls of our houses of worship by our
054many community volunteers and our network of incredible community organizations, by young parents taking their children to our parks and playgrounds. by our seniors and our cherished veterans and by people new to Everett and those who have been here for generations. All are respected, all are valued, and all are welcomed to come together as one community to form an incredible tapestry in celebration of our rich diversity, our greatest strength. To the people of Everett, this is our time to write a new chapter. But make no mistake, I will not not stop honoring our history. I mean, where else can you go get a papoosea, pana, and homemade pasta all within a block? Today, our city stands at an important crossroads. As we grow and change, we face both a profound responsibility and an historic opportunity to
055move Everett forward with integrity, fairness, and accountability. We must rebuild trust in government at a time when at the federal, state, and local level trust is lacking. We must ensure that every tax dollar is spent with clear purpose, full transparency, and public oversight. We must tackle the crisis level challenge of school overcrowding so our children have the classrooms they deserve and need in which to receive a world-class education. We must guide smart, equitable development that benefits our neighborhoods, eases traffic and congestion while preserving affordability for working families. And we must thoughtfully steward major initiatives like the proposed professional soccer stadium on Lower Broadway so growth truly serves the people of Everett and not just special interest. As mayor, my commitment to each of you is guided and grounded in three basic principles. First, service to
056the people of Everett. City government must be accessible, responsive, and fair. Every resident, regardless of background, neighborhood, or length of time in Everett, deserves to be heard and respected. Second, unity and collaboration. Our city has always been at its strongest when we work together. I will seek partnership with the city council, school committee, our federal and state delegations, city employees, community organizers, and every resident. We may disagree at times and I assure you we will, but we will always move forward with respect and a shared commitment to the common good. Tonight, I ask that you join me in ushering in a new era of civility here at home. While we may not be able to control what happens beyond our borders, let's show our children that we can disagree without disparagement, name calling, or personal
057attack. Let's start that new era of civility tonight right here in the city of Everett. Third, responsible progress with accountability. We will pursue smart economic development that creates jobs, supports local businesses, excuse me, and strengthens and grows our tax base while also protecting our quality of life. We will invest in public safety, infrastructure, schools, city services, and we will be transparent and accountable in how decisions are made. And I turn with all of the authority of my office to Superintendent Hart and my colleagues on the city council and school committee in every stakeholder in this community and ask that you join me in finding the right solution to address our current school overcrowding crisis. Together, we can make a great school system into an urban model of excellence and success where teachers aren't overwhelmed by
058packed classrooms and children get the attention they deserve. My administration will focus on keeping Everett safe, fiscally sound, and welcoming. We will work to ensure our streets are secure, our city services are responsive and reliable, our schools are supported, and our neighborhoods remain places where families can th grow and thrive. But government alone cannot do this work. Everett's strength has always come from its people, neighbors looking out for one another, volunteers giving their time, and residents who care deeply about this city. I invite every resident to stay engaged, speak up, hold me accountable, and be part of shaping Everett's future as we write this next chapter. To those who supported me, thank you for your trust and your confidence. To those who did not, I promise to be a mayor for all of Everett. To
059the people of Everett, I will listen to you. I will learn from you. and I will lead with fairness and integrity. Let us move forward together, honoring Everett's proud past, meeting today's challenges head on and building a future that reflects the hopes of all who are privileged to call this city home. Let us begin tonight to write our next great chapter together. Thank you. God bless you and God bless the city of Ever. You can you can actually remain seated uh standing. Excuse me. We're going to um have Bishop Brown if you would come before us. Bishop Brown of Zion Church Ministries who will offer the benediction. Let us bow our heads in prayer. Oh Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name. And Lord, we ask if you will that our new mayor, Robert
060Vancampen, be blessed with the wisdom to lead and to guide this great city. Grant him strength, courage, and a deep sense of responsibility. May he become a voice for the voiceless and a protector for the common good. May this city known as Everett flourish under his leadership and unite us in purpose. Lord, please bless this office, bless this community, and bless our shared journey forward. And may divine guidance illuminate his path, granting him the wisdom to guide and the wisdom of this to discern. Grant him compassion to care and the strength to serve every citizen with integrity. And Lord, may unity triumph over division. and may their dedication foster a community that we find hope in and peace. We thank you for your presence at this exercise. We present thank you for our new beginning.
061We ask you again to bless us in the name of the father, in the name of the son, and in the name of the holy spirit. Amen. You may all be seated. We're about to conclude. Before we do, I'm gonna leave you with another quote and and then uh I'm gonna ask everyone to stay uh seated for a moment. So, this is uh something George HW Bush said. If you have a plan, we want to hear it. Tell your community leaders, your local officials, your governor, and your team in Washington. Believe me, your ideas count. An individual can make a difference. That concludes our inaugural program. I thank you for participation. I thank all of the volunteers, city employees, my staff, Superintendent Hart, and the school department specifically, Rosemary Hughes and David Okconor, the school,
062yes, the school auto audiovisisual team, the custodial staff, our band, our chorus, our choir, and everyone that made this night possible. Uh, thank you. Thank you to the school committee members, the city council, and our newly elected mayor for all that you do and all that you will do. And thank you, governor, for being here tonight and made it an extra special inauguration for all of us. Thank you very much. Please join his honor the mayor and the entire city government in the high school cafeteria located downstairs for u light refreshments and a coalation. I please ask that you stay seated for a moment as the um participants exit the stage. And before we do that, Mr. Mayor, I'm going to ask you to come up and please uh dismiss the legislives to organize. >>
063Members of the Ever City Council and the Ever School Committee, this is my first official act, by the way. You are dismissed to organize for the 2026 calendar year. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, Everett. Have a great night.