Westfield Mayor Daniel M. Knapik reads his Inaugural Address after being sworn in during yesterday’s City of Westfield Inauguration Ceremony at the Westfield Middle School South auditorium. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD – The 2014 Inauguration ceremony, with pomp provided by the South Middle School Jazz Band playing patriotic music, initiated a new term in office for Mayor Daniel M. Knapik, City Council members, three members of the School Committee, six Municipal Light Board members and Westfield Athenaeum trustees yesterday morning.
The ceremony was conducted in the school auditorium in front of the family members of the elected officials, community leaders, city officials and interested citizens.
Rev. Joseph Soltysiak, pastor of the St. Joseph’s National Catholic Church, opened the ceremony with an Invocation.
“Almighty God, as you hold all of us accountable for the use of all our powers and privileges, direct, we pray, Mayor Daniel Knapik and all incoming City Councilors of Westfield as they begin their duties in this year,” Soltysiak said. “Lord, inspire and guide them, especially in those most difficult decision they will need to face, that their voting may be in the very best interest of the people they represent, and always in accord with Your holy will.
Members of the Westfield Middle School South Jazz Band supply the music as part of yesterday’s City of Westfield Inauguration Ceremony. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
“May we, too, as citizens of Westfield, support our elected officials in such a way that we become an extension of them as they serve in the best of their capacity. As we listen to what is said here today, may our hope in the New Year be kindled to believe that the voters have spoken and we have the best possible individuals in the offices in which they serve.
Almighty God, we ask all of these things in your Holy Name. Amen.”
City Clerk Karen Fanion read the results of the November general election then proceeded to give the groups of elected officials the oath of office. The School Committee members, which include William Duval, Jeff Gosselin and Cindy Sullivan, took the oath individually, rather than collectively, which led Master of Ceremony Brian Sullivan, who had promised the mother of a crying child that the ceremony would be short, to urge the second group, the members of the Municipal Light Board and the Athenaeum Trustees to take the oath “in unison.”
Westfield Mayor Daniel M. Knapik is sworn into office by Karen M. Fanion, right, Westfield city clerk, during the City of Westfield Inauguration Ceremony at Westfield Middle School South yesterday. Joining in the ceremony is Knapik’s wife Tricia, left, who was presented a bouquet of flowers. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
The next group to take the oath was the 13 City Council members, which included six members taking that oath for the first time.
Fanion then gave the oath to Knapik, Michael Knapik, the former state Senator, who was in the audience and the elder brother of Mayor Daniel M. Knapik. Fanion, following that moment of jocularity, administered the oath to the correct Knapik.
“That was appropriate as I spent three years in this very school being called Michael,” Dan Knapik quipped as he began his Inaugural speech.
Knapik thanked the elected officials, their families and “city employees who made my job as mayor a truly rewarding experience,” and dignitaries in attendance for attending the Inauguration ceremony.
Members of the Westfield City Council, standing, are sworn in by Westfield City Clerk Karen M. Fanion, left rear, during yesterday’s City of Westfield Inauguration Ceremony staged at the Westfield Middle School South auditorium. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
“I want to thank my wide, Tricia,” Knapik said. “Without her and our immediate and extended family, I would not be here today. And of course I would like to acknowledge and say thank you to my parents, for without them of course, I would not be here today.”
“I would like to take a moment to say thank you to all of those citizens who served our city in elective office the last four years,” Knapik said. “You have the honor and distinction of forever being a citizen who put your name on the ballot to serve your city. You have joined a legion of fellow citizens who have played a part in our city’s government dating back to 1920.”
City officials and invited guests, background, gather for the City of Westfield Inauguration Ceremony yesterday as members of the Westfield Middle School South Jazz Band open the ceremony with the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
“Participation in municipal government as elected officials is one of the purest forms of democracy practiced in our nation,” Knapik said. “Men and women from all walks of life, occupations and life experience offering themselves to represent their fellow citizens in their government is a great tradition. There are no career politicians in this type of government. Just average, everyday citizens, who have full-time jobs, but who ran for elected public office so they could make a contribution to their community.”
Knapik spoke of challenges and accomplishments during his previous two terms as the city’s executive officer and those yet to come as he begins his third term.
“Not to rest on our laurels, we must continue the city’s forward progress,” Knapik said. “Through the economy still faces some challenges, in the next two years we will continue to work hard to attract new businesses and continue to do all we can to retain and support existing businesses, keep our financial standing strong, build our new senior center, construct two solar farms, invest in our neighborhoods and roadway and utility infrastructure, renovate our recreational spaces and complete our new elementary school and maintain what we have repaired.”
“We must always remember that we represent the people who have elected us,” Knapik said. “Though we may disagree at times, we must always keep an open mind in order to continue to move the people’s business forward.”
Rev. Valerie Roberts-Toler, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, gave the benediction, asking God to be a beacon of light for the elected officials.
“May this administration be granted bold and creative solutions to the demands of our time. May they guard our freedom and independence, but never favor the strong nor forget the weak.
As citizens of Westfield, may we see God’s face in stranger and neighbor alike. We offer this benediction with a spirit of gratitude for all of the blessings and accomplishments of the past years and with the hope that as we move into a new year that our decisions might serve not only this present age, but the well being of generations to come.
“To everything there is a season, let this be a season of peace. Amen.”
To see video of the inauguration ceremony, click here.
