Outgoing Portsmouth councilors honored at swearing-in; Sen. Jessica Dela Cruz urges cooperation

Outgoing Portsmouth Town Council members were honored at the Nov. 25 swearing-in ceremony, where Daniella T. Abbott, Charles J. Lavecte and Dr. J. Mark Ryan received plaques and the council read a proclamation recognizing Kevin M. Aguilar’s years of service.

Daniella T. Abbott thanked town staff and residents for the opportunity to serve and urged incoming members to "serve with honor and integrity" and to consider the needs of the town's roughly 18,000 residents. The council clerk read citations and presented plaques "in appreciation for your years in service," citing service dates for several departing members.

A proclamation for Kevin M. Aguilar outlined his prior service on the Zoning Board of Review and his election to the council in 2014, noting his roles as vice president and president in past terms and declaring the proclamation presented on Nov. 25, 2024.

Rhode Island Senate Minority Leader Jessica Dela Cruz, invited to speak, congratulated newly sworn officials and urged the council to "work together, finding common ground," listen to constituents and keep an open mind as they perform the people's business.

Pastoral remarks opened the ceremony with thanks for the town's founders, local public safety personnel and the new council members; Joseph C. Lopes administered the oath of office to newly elected School Committee and town council members.

The ceremony closed after leadership elections and procedural business; the council adjourned following the meeting.

The presentations and proclamations were ceremonial recognitions of service; no policy or ordinance votes were taken as part of the awards.