By CHRIS FROST
Eagle Times News Editor
CLAREMONT, NH — Claremont City Council members took their oaths of office Wednesday, Jan. 3, and spent the evening enjoying the moment before getting to work, moving the city forward.
City Clerk Gwen Melcher administered the oath of office to Mayor Dale Girard first, followed by Assistant Mayor Deb Matteau, Ward I, II, and III Councilors Andrew O’Hearne, Spencer Batchelder, and Jonathan Hayden, then At-Large Councilors Wayne Hemingway, Nicholas Koloski, William Limoges and Joel Tremblay.
Girard welcomed the council and said it’s an honor to represent his city, which he doesn’t take lightly.
“For the past two years, it’s been my pleasure to be an advocate for the City of Claremont,” said Girard. “I want to extend a warm welcome to the newly elected members of the Claremont City Council. We are filled with anticipation and optimism for the positive change and progress that lies ahead. I ask each of you to remember the reason you chose to volunteer for this position. Your commitment to public service and your service to the community is commendable, and the responsibility you now shoulder is vital to the well-being and prosperity of Claremont. I have full confidence in my ability to lead with integrity, transparency and dedication.”
Hemingway looks forward to doing everything the city council can do for Claremont.
“I haven’t had a lot of training as a councilor, but with my military background, I think we can work on a lot of things out and hopefully keep Claremont moving in the right direction,” said Hemingway. “I’ve been here for many council meetings before, during, and after the election, so I’m doing my homework to keep track of everything going on so we can go forward.”
Ward III Councilor Jonathan Hayden is excited to start serving the citizens of Claremont.
“There’s a lot to take in, and it’s a very new experience,” said Hayden. “Getting comfortable is a big thing. Everyone has been great, and I am excited to work with everyone at next week’s meeting.”
At-Large Councilor Joel Tremblay brought his family and said priority one is getting to know his fellow councilors better and working with them collaboratively.
“I think there is going to be a big learning curve because there’s a lot more going on here than when I was on the police commission,” said Tremblay. “I’m looking forward to working with everybody and learning.”
His wife, Linda, plans to nudge Joel occasionally about things happening in the city.
“I’m very proud of my husband,” said Linda. “Joel went in to be elected. I didn’t think he was going to pull it off, but he did.”
Son Tyler is also proud of his dad and is considering following in his footsteps and running for his school council.
“I go to Bluff Elementary School,” said Tyler.
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