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The Republicans had a lot to be thankful for as town officials were sworn into office two days before Thanksgiving.
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(L-R)Roberta Gill-Brooks, Michael Nardella, Lisa Arpin, Jack Ahern, Joe Higgins, Jr. and Jamie Cosgrove.
For a third time, First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove and his Republican team swept to decisive victories in the Nov. 7 election. Joining them were Selectman Jack Ahern and Tax Collector Roberta Gill-Brooks, both Democrats.
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Jamie Cosgrove, his wife, Nicole, and their daughters, Ava and Lila.
“I’m thankful for earning the support of the town and community,” Cosgrove told the Eagle after the ceremonies yesterday. “I really try to be fair and honest and do what’s good for the community. Of course, I’m always thankful for my family.”
Swearing-in ceremonies were held at 8 a.m. Tuesday at the James Blackstone Library, with about 50 people in attendance.
Cosgrove had a big smile as he took the oath of office and thanked everyone for attending the ceremony. He said when he was sworn into office two years ago, a colleague told him he should take the opportunity to make a longer speech.
“It’s not about speeches or words, it’s really about listening to the people, about being honest and doing some good work,” Cosgrove said in his brief speech Tuesday. “I feel that together we have accomplished that in the last four years. I know that moving forward in the next two years, we’ll continue on the momentum that we started, and continue to build on that and continue to listen to people and to be honest.”
Town Attorney Bill Aniskovich served as Master of Ceremonies at the event. He assisted with Cosgrove’s campaign.
“We leave here today not as Democrats or Republicans, but as town officials who have sworn to uphold the common good,” Aniskovich said. “On that note, let’s leave here in that spirit and do as much good as we can for the people of Branford.”
Selectman Joe Higgins,Jr. told the Eagle, “I’m looking forward to another few years in office,” he said, working closely with Cosgrove and the entire team.
Selectman Jack Ahern, the sole Democrat on the three-member board of selectmen, is starting his second term in office. “I look forward to another two years working with Joe and Jamie, continuing to move the town forward.”
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Probate Judge Frank J. Forgione administers the oath of office to Roberta Gill-Brooks.
Roberta Gill-Brooks, a Democrat, was elected tax collector as the first black woman to hold office in Branford. “It’s a little overwhelming,” she told the Eagle Tuesday. “I’m grateful and overwhelmed by the support I received from my family, and from the ticket and the party,” she said. “I’m excited to get started and serve the people of Branford.”
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(L-R):Pastor Charles Woody and the Gill Family.
She was surrounded by her family, including her father, Robert Gill, a former chief of the Branford Police Department. The Eagle asked Gill how it felt to see his daughter sworn into office. “It’s just so wonderful and I’m extremely proud of her,” he said.
The oaths of office were administered by Probate Judge Frank J. Forgione.
Several other town officials took their oaths Tuesday morning including Lisa Arpin, town clerk; Michael Nardella, town treasurer; Ali Abulugma, board of assessment appeals; and three constables, Chuck Tiernan III, Eunice Lasala, and Susan Cosgrove Barnes.
Prior to the ceremony, Ray Ingraham, the chair of the Republican Town Committee, told the Eagle there’s lots to be thankful for. He said he’s looking forward to working with the team for the next two years.
“It’s good to be able to keep going the way we have,” Ingraham said “There are certain things we’d like to see completed.” He mentioned the upcoming construction projects at Walsh Intermediate School, and the expansion of the Senior Center/Community House.
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