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Eugene P. Nocera sworn in as Middletown mayor; pledges to rebuild infrastructure, bolster public safety and education
Summary
At a Nov. 10 inauguration at Beaman Middle School, Eugene P. Nocera was sworn in as mayor of Middletown and used his inaugural address to prioritize rebuilding roads and sewers, strengthening public safety and supporting local schools. The ceremony included an invocation, the oath of office and swearing in of board and commission members.
Eugene P. Nocera was sworn in as mayor of Middletown on Nov. 10, 2025, taking the oath administered by Judge Robert L. Holzberg and pledging to lead the city with "civility, transparency, equity, inclusion, diversity, and honesty." The ceremony at Beaman Middle School included a student-led pledge of allegiance, an invocation by Reverend James of Saint Sebastian Church, and music from Middletown High School's concert choir.
Nocera, whose oath covers a term to Nov. 9, 2027, told the audience he would focus first on public works and infrastructure. "We must work hard to do a better job with our roads, our — and all that comes with the roads, lighting, and the guard rails and everything," he said, citing a recently passed referendum to fund rebuilding of roads, sewers, waterworks and municipal buildings.
The mayor used his address to outline priorities beyond capital projects. "Public safety, of course, always continues to be extremely important," Nocera said, adding that he wants first responders "well equipped" and neighborhoods safe for residents to walk without fear. He also emphasized education, saying students "deserve the best" and that schools are "the hinge upon which our city's future swings." Nocera, who described himself as a longtime educator and resident of Middletown, said he would listen to residents and "advocate for you."
As part of the ceremony Mayor Nocera administered oaths to newly elected members of the Board of Education — listed in the call as Dean Krupa, Kelly B., Christopher Cardella and Kimberly Reardon — each for terms through Nov. 13, 2029. He also swore in newly elected members of the Planning and Zoning Commission, including Andrew Regan and Vinny Sinkowitz; Tyler Ekstrom was noted as absent. Those swearing-ins concluded the formal installation of several local officials.
Judge Robert L. Holzberg led the mayor's oath, reciting the required affirmation to support the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Connecticut. After the benediction from Reverend James, Nocera invited attendees to a reception and thanked city staff and clerks for organizing the event.
The ceremony closed with a final song, the retiring of the colors by the Middletown Police and Fire Department color guards, and brief remarks of thanks from the mayor. No formal votes or policy decisions were taken at the special meeting; the event functioned as an inaugural and ceremonial session.
