BERLIN – The town’s mayor and two recently elected councilmembers officially took their seats following swearing-in ceremonies this week.
On Monday, Worcester County Clerk of Court Susan Braniecki swore in Mayor Gee Williams. Williams in turn performed the ceremony for new Councilman Zack Tyndall and longtime Councilman Elroy Brittingham.
“I want to say what a privilege and honor it is to serve the citizens, the property owners and the guests of Berlin,” Williams said.
Williams won by a landslide over challenger Lisa Hall, a two-term councilmember, in the town’s election Oct. 4. On Monday, he voiced his commitment to the town’s practice of honoring the past but stressed that it should not be relived.
“Our entire premise is based on preserving 19th century charm while also experiencing 21st century living,” he said. “I understand that while we are committed to retaining our charm we are not chained to the past.”
Williams added that while the town’s elected officials were devoted to maintaining Berlin’s success they weren’t perfect.
Berlin Mayor Gee Williams administers the oath of office to Berlin Council members Zack Tyndall and Elroy Brittingham.
“We are all human,” he said. “Just because we are susceptible to human frailty and are likely to make mistakes from time to time please remember you can never fix what you never do. It is my hope that the mayor and council will continue to earn your support by thoughtfully making decisions in such a manner that will give our town the best probability of doing the right thing the right way at most importantly the right time.”
Brittingham, who ran unopposed, said when he filed for reelection he probably wouldn’t run again as he wanted to spend more time with his family. This is his eighth four-year term as a councilman. Brittingham, who has served as the council vice president in recent years, was again nominated and selected for the position Monday.
“Thanks for the confidence,” he said. “I’ll try to do my best.”
Tyndall, who at 26 is the youngest member of the council, earned 61 percent of the District 2 votes. He beat challenger Jack Orris Jr. to win the seat formerly held by Hall.
Tyndall, a lifelong Berlin resident, has been a regular at council meetings in recent months and hopes that experience will give him a running start as he begins his first term as a councilman.
“I’d like to thank my neighbors, my family and my friends for their support throughout this process,” he said. “It was a lot of hard work and there’s no doubt that I couldn’t be here today without all your help and support.”
Following the swearing-in ceremonies, the council approved the meeting schedule for the coming year. As in years past, the council will meet the second and fourth Monday of each month. Exceptions in 2017 include Tuesday Oct. 10 and Tuesday Dec. 26.
