Coogan states city is on the rise as Fall River mayor, city council, school committee sworn in; council president, vice president selected

The Fall River City Council on Tuesday afternoon selected a president and vice-president at the Inauguration of Municipal Officers.

Governor Maura Healey, U.S. Senator Jake Auchincloss, State Senator Alan Silvia, State Rep Carole Fiola, State Senator Michael Rodrigues, State Representative Paul Schmid, Bristol County DA Thomas Quinn, and former mayor Will Flanagan were among the dignitaries present for the swearing in of Mayor Paul Coogan, the city council and school committee for 2024.

Joe Camara returns as president of the city council after receiving 8 votes with Linda Pereira also receiving 8 votes to return as vice president. They will join Andrew Raposo, Linda Pereira, Shawn Cadime, Brad Kilby, Michelle Dionne, and Laura Jean Sampson (Washington). Paul Hart and Cliff Ponte Jr. take the place of Leo Pelletier who retired and Pam Laliberte who dropped out of the race after the preliminary election. Dionne was not in attendance leaving only 8 votes cast.

Shelli A. Pereira, Sara Rodrigues, Bobby Bailey Kevin Aguiar and Mimi Larrivee return to the school committee. Former committee member Thomas Khoury replaces Paul Hart who successfully ran for city council.

Governor Healey and Senator Auchincloss said a few words highlighting their friendship with Mayor Coogan.

Upon being re-elected council president, Camara spoke about serving the public and stated his confidence in the council driving toward success. Camara is also looking forward to “new solutions and strategies to help the community grow, build, and prosper into what we all know it could be.”

Upon being re-elected council vice president, Pereira noted she is beginning her 25th year in the city council but still has the same excitement and devotion as she had in her first year.

Mayor Coogan delivered the inaugural address marking support from his strong team and from friends and family. Coogan stated that one of his favorite parts of being mayor is the people, especially city residents. He also touched on improvements to infrastructure, parks, roads, and water lines. Coogan also noted the addition of pickle ball courts and the Fitness Court at Britland Park. He went on to say that $850,000 the city received from the millionaire’s tax will be used to repair roads. Coogan also highlighted the renovations to Talbot, Watson, and Tansey schools. Coogan stated that public safety remains a priority with the addition of new fire and police officers and equipment upgrades.

“No resident deserves to feel unsafe in their neighborhood.”

Coogan also mentioned that he believes the city is on the rise with mills being turned into apartments and new businesses coming to the city with others expanding such as Taco. He also stated that it is a priority to tackle the housing crisis with both affordable and market-rate housing. Coogan concluded by stating it’s important for his team to improve the quality of life for all residents.