Fall River City Council see new president, vice-president

The Fall River City Council on Monday afternoon elected a new president and vice-president at the Inauguration of Municipal Officers.

Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, U.S. Senator Jake Auchincloss, State Senator Alan Silvia, State Rep Carole Fiola, and State Senator Michael Rodrigues were among the dignitaries present for the swearing in of the City Council and School Committee for 2022.

Joe Camara, who is a former council president, returns to the city council with newcomer Andrew Raposo who is the Principal of Espirito Santo School. They join Linda Pereira, Trott Lee, Shawn Cadime, Brad Kilby, Leo Pelletier, Pam Laliberte, and Michelle Dionne.

Shelli A. Pereira, Sara Rodrigues, and Bobby Bailey are newcomers to the School Committee joining incumbents Kevin Aguiar, Paul Hart, and Mimi Larrivee.

With 2021 President Cliff Ponte running for mayor and vacating his seat and position, Laliberte will now receive the gavel and fill his spot after receiving 5 votes. Joe Camara and Linda Pereira also received votes.

After the vote, Laliberte made a brief statement.

Laliberte thanked her colleagues for supporting her and for the knowledge of former presidents Ponte and Cadime. Laliberte also recognized the number of women on the stage being sworn into office.

After Laliberte’s comments, Michele Dionne was selected as vice president of the council replacing new president Laliberte at the position.

In her remarks, Dionne also mentioned the number of women currently holding office in Fall River in addition to the City Council president and vice president both being women.

Mayor Coogan then took to the podium to express how special the day was for him and that everyone needs to work together for a better Fall River. Coogan also thanked the local delegation, friends, and family for their support, above all, his wife Judi. Coogan touched on the pandemic which began days after he was first elected mayor. The mayor also recognized residents and first responders who are making life better in Fall River.

“Residents, I work exclusively for you. I am honored to have earned your support last November.”

Coogan went on to say that he will continue to do his job with the values of honesty, transparency, stability, and hard work.