Westerly Town Council welcomes new members including Mary Eshalaba and Dylan Lapetra

In a solemn ceremony held at Westerly Town Hall, the air was filled with a sense of duty and commitment as newly elected officials took their oaths of office on December 2, 2024. The gathering, marked by the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, set the tone for a momentous occasion as community members and fellow councilors looked on.

One by one, the elected officials, including Mary Eshalaba, Dylan J. Lapetra, and Christopher A. Duhamel, stood before the assembly, raising their right hands to affirm their dedication to the Constitution and the laws of both the United States and the state of Rhode Island. Each official pledged to uphold the charter and ordinances of the town of Westerly, vowing to faithfully discharge the duties of their respective offices.

The ceremony not only highlighted the importance of civic responsibility but also underscored the community's trust in these leaders to guide Westerly into the future. As the officials took their oaths, the audience witnessed a reaffirmation of democratic values and a commitment to public service.

Among those sworn in were members of the town council and the school committee, including Alexandra L. Healy and Angela B. Goethals, who emphasized their roles in shaping the educational landscape of the town. The event concluded with a collective hope for collaboration and progress, as the newly sworn officials prepared to tackle the challenges ahead.

As the meeting adjourned, the community was left with a renewed sense of optimism, eager to see how these leaders would navigate the complexities of governance in Westerly. The ceremony served as a reminder of the vital role local government plays in the lives of its residents, fostering a spirit of engagement and accountability that will resonate throughout the town.