[Music] Heat. Heat. Here we go. Heat. Heat. They got in. Down here. Down here. [Applause]
Okay. All right. Hello. I'd like to ask everybody to stand for a moment of silence, please. We'd like to show our respect to Domingo Romano, a Lawrence High School teacher.
Moment of silence, please. >> Thank you. Please remain standing. We're going to do the posting of the colors. I'd like to introduce Victor Orga, the director of veteran services. We've got the Lawrence Firefighters Honor Guard, the Lawrence Police Honor Guard, and the
JOTC Honor Guard. [Applause] Power [Music] up. Left Now for the pledge of allegiance, the
national anthem, I'd like to invite up Jus Martinez. [Applause] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the republic for which it stands. One nation under
God and indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Oh, say can you see by the early [Music]
so [Music] Twilight [Music] and bright stars through the heart we were
[Music] and rockets [Music] bursting in gangle. [Music] Wave
for the land of the free and the home of the brave. >> Thank you. >> Let's give it up for Jay Martinez. We're going have to put her on the voice. She
is terrific. Great job, chairs. Next, I'd like to invite up for the invocation, Pastor Pablo Erano. [Music] 5 Good evening everybody.
I would like to do the invocation in Spanish. Brian [Music] science. Foreign speech. Foreign speech. Foreign speech. Foreign [Music]
Amen. You pastor you can sit down. I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Joe Freeman. I'm the CEO of Manzo Freeman Development. A little bit new to Lawrence. I came to town right about the time my friend Brian was elected for
mayor the first time. And I'd just like to say how fortunate we are to have a mayor like Brian. He is really uh incredibly supportive. He's humble. He's a successful entrepreneurial
businessman. He's bilingual. Most of all, he's humble though. Whenever I try to give Brian credit for anything, he won't take it. He's always giving the credit to someone else. It could be Joseé Javier. It could be
Octavian Spanner. It could be Jorge Haime. You know, Jorge, tonight when I was looking from my office down Essex Street and I'm looking at the beautiful lights and the beautiful city that we have, it's
incredible what Mayor Depia has done in the first four years here. I mean, it's truly transformational. If you come in off of 495 and you see the we love Lawrence sign and you see all the beautiful flowers,
you get down, you see Lawrence General. We bought the old stone mill and Everett Mill right there when you're coming in at the corner of Canal and Union and Essex where they all come together.
General Street on the other side. With Mayor Depia's help, we really have a a public private venture together. We've invested 70 million dollars into that campus and we've got over 86 apartments
now. We've got over probably close to 90 businesses in the building now. So, it's really been transformational what Mayor Deena's done. And I know he doesn't do it for the money. He doesn't do it for
the fame. He does it because he loves his city and he wants really to see Lawrence rise up and be the great city that it can be and that we all know it to be. Um, let me say this. Uh,
when you come to Lawrence, you come to a diverse city. All kinds of people are welcomed here. We're not a a homogeneous group. We speak different languages. We come from different parts of the world,
but we all come together to try and make this the great city that we know it can be. And you look at Essex Street now and you just if you walk around the city, what's happening is incredible. And I think we all need to be supportive of it
and part of it. We want to get folks downtown. Come down to Essex Street, bring your family for dinner, walk around, be part of the action. It's fun, it's exciting, and uh you really have
the mayor and his team to thank for it. And I just want to say again how fortunate we are to have a second term with Mayor Depa. I think it's a a night to celebrate, to truly celebrate here in Lawrence. Uh,
next I'd like to welcome an introduction of the mayor, state representative, second assistant majority leader Frank Moran. Frank, if you'll come up. Thank you. How's everyone doing? Good.
There you go. Um, good evening everyone. It is truly an honor to be with you tonight as we celebrate the inauguration of Mayor De Pñena, the Lawrence City Council, the SU Committee, and the Greater Lawrence Technical School as
they begin or continue their service to the city of Lawrence. Brian, Lawrence, the Greater Lawrence Technical School. Lawrence, it's going to take me a little longer. Lawrence has long been remembered and
admired for many things throughout history, most notably the bread and roses strike of 1912, brought together this proud city of immigrants to protest to protest wage cuts that threatened the livelihood of
mill workers. Historical accounts tell us that more than 20,000 people representing over 50 nationalities, let me say it again, over 50 nationalities, it stood shouldertoshoulder during that
strike. At the time, many believed that immigrants and women could not organize, could not unite, and could not bargain collectively. By crossing ethnic, ethnic changers, uh,
gender and social lines, the people of Lawrence proved them wrong. Our diversity did not weaken the movement. It made it stronger. As I look out at the crowd gathered here today, all of you, I'm grateful to see
that this legacy remains alive and well. And more than a century later, despite the rhetoric we sometimes hear at the federal level, Lawrence continued to stand as a living testament to the strength of a diverse and united
community. This is not a symbolic idea. It is reflected in real outcomes. Year after year, this city comes together to support its neighbors in moments of both celebrations and hardship.
We are home. We engage vote. We have a lot of engaged voters, passionate advocates, very passionate and innovative leadership that has secure investment in youth empowerment, affordable housing and workforce
readiness. Program that strengthened our city and our future. No matter what the world has thrown at Lars, we face the Murray Valley explosion, the CO9 pandemic, all the many challenges that follow, we have
always come together. That is who we are. Today we face new challenges in a new century. Housing, grocery, and basic necessities are increasingly difficult to afford. At
times it can feel as though decisions made far from here are working against us rather than for us. In moments like these uncertainty could take a hold. This is precisely Why leadership
matters? Leadership requires optimism, resilience, and the courage to act in service of others. Over the past four years, I have watched
Mayor Dea meet these challenges with patience, persistence, and deep respect for the generation that came before us. That commitment is shared by the dedicated public servants who work alongside him. Individuals who believe
wholeheartly in a bright future for our city. Mayor the PA has also made a deliberate effort to work with and for every neighborhood in our community bringing together diverse perspective. competitive priorities and a passionate
and passionate voices is not easy, but it's essential. I'm proud of the prog progress he have made in just one term. I look forward to continuing this work together over the next four years with our new and returning city councilors,
school committees, advocates, and civil servants. for perspectiv. versus defenses. is public. To those being sworn in tonight,
you are here because of your dedication and hard work and because our community has placed has placed his trust in you. You were elected to be the voice of the people and to help lead this city into his next chapter.
Lawrence is home to some of the hottest working people in Massachusetts. and we have endured more than our share of hardship. This is a resilient city and it is resilient because of its people. As elected official is now your
responsibility to advocate for those who cannot always advocate for themselves. Lawrence Massachusetts. I say this as someone who has served on the city council both as a member and as
his president. This work is not easy and you guys know that you will have good days and you will have difficult days. You will definitely disagree. You will debate passionately, but always
remember why you are here. You're here to do good for our community. I urge you to carry yourselves with civility and respect for one another. Healthy disagreement is necessary
and productive when it leads to thoughtful debate and better outcomes. But when disagreements become personal, progress suffers. We have seen the cost of that kind of division and our residents deserve
better. necessar. person. If I can leave you with one piece of advice from my own experience in public service, it is this. Never forget where you came from. Why you first decided to run for office
and the purpose that call you to serve. If you hold on to that, this work while challenging will be among the most meaningful and fulfilling of your lives. experience.
Tonight, take a moment to celebrate this achievement and soak in this excitement of this occasion. But remember, the real work begins right after this and tomorrow morning.
And now I introduce our mayor of the city of Lawrence, Mayor Brian Deñena. [Applause] [Applause]
>> Thank you. Thank you. Gracias. Russia. Tonight I want to say thank you for God. God is everything and my life and your
life and the community and every single decision and my administration. That's the reason the city of Lord moved forward in short time. Many people asked me
[Applause] many people asked me Mr. Mayor, I remember many years ago may department asked many years ago when
I knocking door for mayor office for move the city forward. The excuse is the city don't have money. In three year my administration change the city only in three year not four
year three year and God provide money for every decision and every question the head doing for me. for the name of Guadro.
Solatro. against somebody asked for me tonight. Mr. Mayor, can you give me proof for everything you said? Oh yes, everybody remember four years ago
everybody include myself I remember the city of have two big challenge. Everybody remember leg school. Everybody remember old school?
I remember my first two week in my office. I remember when the principal call me. The first call I I think the principal call me for you know
see the school see the student or provide information for for the school. My surprise she told me Mr. mayor, you see the floor when you enter to the
school? And I tell her, yes, I see a lot of water in the floor. She told me the reason is not because somebody clean the floor. It's because the the ceiling have been leaking water for many years.
And I tell it, don't worry. I promise. I promise God provide a new school for the city of Lawrence. Don't pay don't pay attention principle because many people
for many year say only is possible doing the school if the city increase taxes for over 2.5
and I telling principal for God nothing is impossible Nothing is impossible. And you know what? But the city have another challenge because Oliver School
is in the same condition. Fore forch. But let me explain something. my administration include a city council member. Thank you city council member delegation
senator paniano council moran leader moran sar re the city make two new facility two new building two new school
and don't increase taxes for three year. One year Kendra Vasque and two year the Pena administration got prov and I remember
when the contracting company call Mr. having a Spanish and tell listen I have an emergency I need emergency meeting because everybody remember when I take my position with the mayor
the city of Lawrence stayed the million to the pandemic co COVID 19 the company make a bad and bad call Because you know what
the material increased and $8 million when Mr. Mayano remember Mr. Otame when Mr. Mr. Myelo call me I tell him
listen don't worry continue move forward the new facility but I make a call Mr. Senator Pav Piano from Moran State
delegation and I call everybody and I said listen your school increase the boy and $80 million that's be challenged because the city
don't have money and Mr. I remember Mr. Senator Paul Payo he told me Mr. Let me let me see. Let me know. I I don't understand. That's You You asked
me for $8 million. $80 million is not $18,000, Mr. Mayor. But let me let let me see what I do. And I said, "Listen, you're very intelligent. You have the power. The the the community bought for
you, but the boss is power. Use your power. You okay? in Boston. Washington. When I see Congresswoman Loren, I explain to her. I tell her, "Listen,
Congresswoman, when I see you, I'm so happy because every time when you came from Washington, you approve money for the city of million, a million dollar, and I'm so happy." You know, I want to say thank you. Congratul
Another challenge the city have new police station. The city need looking for $17,000 million. It's that not easy. Three years ago, the city of Lawrence have many many
challenge and I know and I know many people don't believe in this moment. Three years ago, nobody have idea
what's the city mayor Lord doing for the city because many people in the city only have it many people have only one tiger.
The three speaks English and I ask was the past administration doing use English for move the city forward.
Don't do it. Don't do it. I remember many years ago my father told me something very important and never I forgot in my life. He told me
if you have this challenge, if you have this challenge, use your more important tools you have. No matter what, if you speak perfect English, Chinese, French, Spanish,
if you don't have people in your heart or you don't have God, that's the more important combination. No matter what you talk, if you don't if you don't take
it the right action for move your community forward, And I speak perfect English when I knocking door. Never I promise to my constituency.
I speak perfect English. But I make one promise. I move education forward. I move safety issue forward
and that's a more important that community need. Two new school, one police station, new crucifer police department, new three new truck for fire department
and three year over 200 something street in the city of brand new 89% park in the city improvement. new park in the city of Lawrence.
When you enter to the city of Lawrence, you don't recognize the city of Lawrence if you know came for the last four or five year. That's the people need. That's the people waiting. The people don't wait more promise.
Park. Everybody know the city of Florida have a many challenge about education. Four years ago, the news from Boston came from Lauren for all it shows.
How many incident happening in Lor High School? Now you remember somebody remember in this room when happened the last incident in the
school. Now remember for is Judah. and be here tonight for continue work together.
But I work together with the people put the city of Floren first. So the city of Lauren continue move forward. I understand very clear the city have a many challenge
but the city have a many opportunity to continue to move forward. The first challenge is work. Continue work together. Not for the mayor.
Not for the mayor is for people. People first. People first. I don't want to take it the whole night for for explain what is my plan.
Four years ago when I came from the same podium I make a lot of promise. This is the parts. Now when you visit every single neighbor in
the city of Lawrence watching behind you, watching from you, if you not see every single decision this the city mayor doing for your neighbor.
New cyber and different neighbor street light. I remember 2020, 2019 when I city council 2018 and 20 and 21
every single year at least minimum five or six resident in the city died for different incident crying. He
said, "Hi, crying. I remember maybe 18 years ago. Eight, 70 people die in the city of for different incident, nightclub, something like that.
Now last year only two person died in the city of Lawrence. for different incident and I'm not happy because two people died only last year.
My challenge chief of police police department is zero d people in the city of Lawren but it's impossible keep one police officer in every single house in the
city of Lawren it's impossible but more police officer in the city more patrol more better decision and the moment take
a decision for kid the city of Lawrence is the reason only last year two people died for crime in the city of the city of Lord move forward this reason
the city of Lord move forward is Because the mayor put the city in his number one priority and put it in call for every decision.
God give me give me opportunity every day for move my city forward because that's the reason that's only the reason I have in my heart for running for city mayor
because I don't need my family don't need don't need that I don't have a projection for for continuing political God bless the city of Lord. God bless America. Thank you, mayor. He can
One thing I'll say, our mayor can talk the talk, but he also walks the walk. He's here every day getting it done. Next, I'd like to introduce our Congresswoman, Lori Tran. Lori, come on up. >> Thanks so much.
>> Good evening, everyone. It is so great to be here with so many remarkable partners who courageously step up to serve the city that they love. Congratulations to Mayor Brian Depa on the start of his
second term serving the people of Lawrence. All of you, today is a celebration of leadership, of community, and a city whose story is inseparable from the story of immigrants. Lawrence
was built by immigrants. From its earliest days, people came here with little more than a hope and determination, ready to work, ready to contribute, and ready to build something lasting. During the industrial revolution, it was
immigrants who powered the mills, fueled innovation, and helped turn Lawrence into an economic engine for the region and for our entire country. That legacy didn't end when the mills along the Miramac River went quiet. Instead, it
evolved into the revitalization we're seeing today. A Lawrence re-imagined because of immigrants and the families that they raise here. They're opening small businesses. They're strengthening our neighborhoods. They're serving in classrooms and in hospitals. And they're
shaping the cultural life of this great city. Lawrence remains a gateway city in its the truest sense. A place where newcomers arrive not just to survive, but to belong and to thrive.
That is a story Mayor Depa knows personally. Like so many Lawrence residents, he came to this country and to this city in search of a brighter future. He came with ambition, with grit, and with a deep belief in the promise of what
Lawrence could be. That lived experience matters. It's reflected in his values, his priorities, and his vision for his community. He understands what it means to work
hard and still worry about making ends meet. He understands the hopes that parents carry for their children. And he understands that when a city works for those who have the least, it works better for everyone.
Those lessons guided him in his first term as mayor. From day one, Mayor Deena set out to reshape Lawrence into a city where families can do more than just get by. A city where they can truly get ahead. A city where work is rewarded
with good paying jobs. Where families can afford to live in safe leadfree homes. Where children can learn in strong schools supported by excellent educators who believe in their potential.
Progress on challenges this complex is never easy and it's never the work of one person alone. Mayor Deena understood that from the start. In fact, the very reason he's been able to make such meaningful progress on these vital
issues is because he focused on building coalitions and bringing people together across every level of government, across private and public sectors, across political and ideological spectrums because he knows that every family in
this city knows that the problems facing Lawrence, they're not red, they're not blue. They're not confined to city hall or to Beacon Hill or even the US capital. They demand collaboration, creativity, and a willingness to listen
and to lead at the same time. At the heart of that work are two values that define this city and the mayor. Grit and perseverance. And I know that because I get a lot of calls from the mayor.
Lawrence has been tested time and time again. Yet, it has always moved forward. That same determination shows up in Mayor Dea every day in the long meetings, the tough conversations, and the steady focus on outcomes that matter
to families. He brings the resilience of this community into the office with him, and he reflects it back in his leadership. As Lawrence begins this next chapter in this 200th and 250th anniversary of our
country, there is real momentum to build on. There is more work to do, yes, but there is also a clear sense of purpose and direction. With Mayor Dea continuing to lead, this city is well positioned to keep
moving forward or toward a future that honors its history while expanding opportunity for future generations. I'm proud to call Mayor Dea a friend, a partner, and a leader in this community. And I'm grateful for his collaboration
and his commitment to the people of Lawrence. and I look forward to our continued work together in the years ahead to make Lawrence an even better place to call home. And I know that may mean showing up with checks.
So, I just want to take one last moment to congratulate Mary Deena Deliny and your whole family. Congratulations to our city councilors and our school committee members who are getting sworn in this evening as well.
and thank you for your continued service to this remarkable city. Thank you. Thank you, Lori. We appreciate all your support and love for Lawrence. When I first came to Lawrence and I met Mayor Depia, I had a lot of people in
Boston telling me, "Joe, you don't want to go to Lawrence and invest your money. Be careful up there. We've got buildings all over New England." But Mayor Dea was different and he put his arm around us and he said, "You come here and you will
not be sorry. We will support you. We will help you through the process. Whether uh it was with Peter Blanchett and the building department, whether it was with Patrick Delaney and the fire department, they had our backs. They
helped us all the way. Now I look back now and I say, hm, if I'd invested my money in Boston, it's worth 50% today of what it was worth five years ago. But if I look at the money that I invested in Lawrence,
it's worth two times what it was four years ago. So, what I'd like to say really is to Gerald and the young people in the crowd tonight, invest in your city, open a business, be an entrepreneur, buy real
estate, do something that you make you proud and will help build our city. Next, I'd like to proud to announce the speaker, State Senator Pavl Payano. >> Thank you.
Council de Rosario, I have a 100 pages here. I'm just kidding. Uh, good evening, Buoes. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Okay. Um, so before I begin my prepared
remarks, I I'm tasking you with a little homework. I need your help with something. Now, behind me are individuals. Obviously, there are folks that are being inaugurated, but there are other uh elected officials uh local, state, federal partners. Everyone in
this room here are individuals that wake up every day and what they do is they think about Lawrence. You know, I have, you know, uh Rep. Palino, I' I've blocked them in the mornings. I've told him, "You can't call me between the hours of 5:00 a.m. to 7:30." Like that's
just a no. So these are folks that really really care. So I want your help. Can we give them a huge hand of applause? So that's one. The second thing is as much as I'm grateful for these individuals to
stepping up and running a campaign is extremely hard. I want to thank everyone here. I want to thank everyone that stood up and ran. Uh, I want to thank all you guys that held up a sign, that made calls, folks that showed up and
voted. Because of you, democracy stands here today one more year. So, thank you to you. Big hand of applause. I'm really grateful as I I get to see everyone in the audience and I'm seeing former uh city clerks. I'm seeing former
city councilors. I'm seeing former former mayors uh not just, you know, I I see uh former mayor uh Vasquez here uh but I also see a former mayor uh of Methuan uh as well uh and state senator Jajuga. Uh and I'm always grateful
seeing individuals that you once you do the work, you keep coming back and making sure that you stay tuned uh into the community. I want to thank all of you uh for being part of this great city. Bueno. Good evening everyone to Mayor Brian
Deñena, members of the Lawrence City Council, member of of the Lawrence School Committee, Congresswoman Lorie Tran, my colleagues uh in the state delegation, former uh city councelor and our uh our
registra, community leaders, family members, and most importantly all of you, the people of Lawrence. Thank you. Thank you for the honor of being with you on this important day. Today,
tonight, tonight is about leadership, but more than that, it's about service. Now, I want to speak to the elephant in the room because I know that 2025 hasn't been easy. Hasn't been easy for
for any of us. It's a year that tested us. Uh it's uh a year that tested some more than others. It tested our patience, our faith in institutions, and as at time even our faith in one another. Families felt the strain of
rising costs. Educators and students carried heavy burdens. Small businesses fought to stay open. I spoke with individuals that struggled and when were were worried, you know, I saw it in their face. They were worried about how they
were going to be able to pay the rent at the end of the month. I talked to moms and dads that worked Monday to Monday, met individuals that had three jobs. And when I asked them three jobs and they're like, "Yes, I'm trying to provide enough
so that my child has access to the American dream." I met individuals that had to choose between paying for food and paying for medicine. So, I know that there are many of our
neighbors, many people in this room that at times have felt unseen or unheard. And folks, I tell you that the folks in this room, we hear you and we see you. Because it's not just we hear you and
you see you. is that we experiencing the same struggles that everybody else is feeling. So for us when we step up and we put on our hats of uh of community leaders, it's a little different because it's affecting us, is affecting our families, it's affecting our neighbors.
But I want to tell you that throughout all of this struggle, there's one thing that has always stayed true in our s in our city's history. It's that Lawrence endures and that Lawrence prospers. Because Lawrence has
always been a city that knows how to carry weight and still stand tall. A city built by immigrants and workers, by dreamers and doers, by people who did not wait for permission to lead, but led
because their city, their community needed them. Leadership is not measured by the volumes of our voices, but by the steadiness of our presence. Not by how loudly we point fingers, but how firmly
we extend a hand. And let me be clear, leadership is not found on the pages of Facebook. Leadership is not about commentary from the sidelines or applauding the loudest critic. Leadership is found in the
arena, in the long meetings, the hard votes, the uncomfortable conversations, the moments when doing the right thing cost you something. As former President Theodore Roosevelt
once reminded us, it is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena whose face
is marred by dust and sweat and blood. Who strives violently who urs who comes short again and again because there is no effort without error and shortcoming. But who does actually strive to do the deeds? Who knows great enthusiasm, the
great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause. who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at worst if he fails at least fails while daring greatly. That my friends
that is the leadership Lawrence deserve and Lawrence has leadership willing to show up to take hits to make mistakes and still keep going. That is the responsibility entrusted today to Mayor
De Pñena, to our city council, to our school committee, not to govern over people, but to govern with them. The Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers." It's important. Blessed are the
peacemakers, not the peace talkers. the peacemakers, those willing to bridge divides, calm tensions, and bring people together even when it would be easier to walk away. Because real leadership
listens. It listens to the parried, the parent worried about their child's future. It listens to the senior choosing between rent and medicine. It listens to the young person wondering if this truly has a place for them and
their dreams. Leadership also tells the truth, especially when the truth is hard. It tells us that progress is never automatic, that unity does not happen by accident, that democracy is not a spectator sport. But leadership also
reminds us of what is possible when we choose each other. Lawrence is not defined by our challenges. We're defined by our response to them. All we got to do is think about the Marramac Valley crisis.
Half our city was shut down and then after another gas crisis and then after COVID. Yeah. Our businesses are prospering. We have seen what happens when we come together across neighborhoods, cultures,
and languages. When we focus less on who gets credit and more on who gets help. When we remember that disagreements do not make us enemies and that accountability does not require cruelty to those being sworn in today. Your
titles matter less than your trust and that trust is borrowed from the people and it must be earned every single day. So lead with humility, lead with courage, lead with the understanding
that every decision you make touches real lives. And to the people of Lawrence, your role does not end with an election or an inauguration. Your voice matters. Your participation matters. Your belief in this city
matters. I'm just asking you do a little more than just social media. We need you to be part of committees. We need you to create movements, clean parks. The city needs you. So let this
inauguration be more than a ceremony. Let it be a recommmitment. A recommmitment to leadership that unites, to government that lifts, and to allowance that leaves no one behind. The road ahead will not always be easy.
There will be disagreements. There will be setbacks. There will be moments that test our resolve. But if we stay in the arena together, if we choose courage over comfort, service
over self, and unity over division, then there is nothing nothing that this city cannot overcome. Because Lawrence is not just a place on a map. It's a promise. A promise passed
from one generation to the next. That no matter where you come from, you belong. That no matter how hard it gets, we do not quit on each other. We overcome together. So I pray that you all meet this moment
with grace. I pray that you all lead with purpose. And may future generations say that when this moment came, Lawrence stood together and moved forward together. Thank you. May God bless the city of Lawrence.
Beautiful. You got to love that passion. Thank you. That was terrific. Next, I'd like to invite up Eileen Bernal, city clerk. She'll make the next introduction.
Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, in your programs, it says I'm going to be introducing Tom Driscoll. I have someone even better to be introducing you to this evening. Um, Paul Ayana is our registra of deeds. And if you don't know Paul, he is a true son
of Lawrence. He was born and raised in Lawrence. He is He was a Lawrence city counselor, then a Lawrence state representative, and now he is the register of deeds representing Lawrence and all of northern Essex County. But Paul is more than that. He is a elected
official who is truly reliable, accessible, and always there when you need something. Even today, when Tom Driscoll comes down with pneumonia, Paul steps up. That is the kind of elected official that we are so fortunate to have.
And it's my pleasure, it's my pleasure to introduce Paul Ayichello as he administers the oath of office to our mayor, Brian Deñena. >> Thank you so much, Madame Clerk. Uh, I'm honored and privileged to be here tonight. I want to have a say welcome to
all of you. Congratulations to our school committee people and our counselors and especially the mayor. Uh and thank you all for coming tonight. Uh I just want to start to stop by saying uh the November 4th uh 2025 election
results were certified and Brian A. Deena was declared the winner. So, congratulations, mayor. And uh without any further ado, let's let's swear the mayor in. Ready, mayor? Raise your right hand. I,
Brian A. Pena do solemnly swear and affirm that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me as the mayor of the city
of Lawrence according to the best of my abilities and understanding agreeably ly to the rules and regulations of the Constitution of the United
States, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the charter and ordinances of the city of Lawrence. So help me God. Congratulations.
He truly is a man of the people of Lawrence. Congratulations again. The mayor was great, but how about Geral? Let's give him a little hand. Huh? I thought he was terrific. Finally, I'd like to uh bring up for the
benediction the Reverend Israel Rodriguez. >> One more. You got >> Oh, sorry, Eileen. We're gonna get you back up here. >> Thank you. one more half the room to also include
um as noted by Mr. Ayachello the election results for the November 4th 2025 election have been certified and as he noted the mayor was the winner Mr. Brian Deñena. Also winning in that election
for counselor at large were Anna Levy, Selena Reyes, and Giovanni Rodriguez. The district counselors at that certified election were Franklin Miguel for district A, Rosalie Gonzalez for district B,
Gregory Del Rosario for district C, Vivian Marmal for district D, Stephanie and Fonte for District E and counselor Mark Llant for District F. The certified winners for the school committee were Jonathan Guzman,
Eliia Quinn Ganell, and Jessica M. Ramirez. The certified winners for the Greater Lawrence Technical School Committee was Zoa Diesla, Julio Mahia, and Edinson Mercedes. And as our charter has recently been
amended, there were three appointed members of our school committee appointed in the month of December 2025. Those were Donna Bertilino, Jesus Suriel, and Michael Armano. At this time, I am going to invite up the counselor at large candidates, Anna
Levy, Selena Reyes, and Giovani Rodriguez to take the oath of office with me. Please come forward. I'm going to ask each of you to please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I state your name.
do solemnly swear >> and affirm >> that I will faithfully >> and impartially >> discharge and perform >> discharge >> all the duties >> duties >> incumbent on me
>> as a Lawrence city counselor >> city >> according to the best of my ability >> according to the best of my ability >> and understanding >> understanding >> agreeably >> agreeably >> to the rules and regulations >> rules and regulations >> of the Constitution of the United States
>> of the Constitution of the United States, >> the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts >> and the charter and ordinances of the city of Lawrence. >> So help me God. >> Congratulations.
Congratulations. Congratulations. At this time, I'm now going to invite up the counselors from district A, B, and C, Franklin Miguel, Rosalie Gonzalez, and Gregory Delazario to administer the oath. Councils, I'm going to encourage you to please raise your right hand and repeat
after me. I state your name. do solemnly swear >> and affirm that I will faithfully >> and impartially discharge and perform all the duties
incumbent on me as a Lawrence city councelor according to the best of my ability and understanding agreeably >> to the rules and regulations. of the Constitution of the United
States, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the charter and ordinances of the city of Lawrence. So help me God. Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations.
Now going to invite up the um district, E, and F counselors. Councelor Marmal, Councelor Stephanie Infante, and Councelor Mark Llant. Council, please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I state your name.
do solemnly swear and affirm that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me as a Lawrence city councelor
according to the best of my abilities and understanding agreeably to the rules and regulations of the Constitution of the United States. the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
and the charters and ordinances of the city of Lawrence. >> So help me God. Congratulations. >> At this time, I'm going to invite up the elected school committee members, Jonathan Guzman, Eliia Quinn Ganell, and
Jessica Ramirez. Thank you. Again, I'm going to encourage you to please raise your right hand and repeat after me. I state your name. do solemnly swear and affirm that I will faithfully
and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me as a member of the Lawrence School Committee according to the best of my ability
and understanding agreeably to the rules and regulations of the Constitution of the United states, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the charter and ordinances of the
city of Lawrence. So help me God. Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations. At this time, I'm going to invite up the appointed members of the school committee, Donna Berdalino, Jesus Suriel, and Michael Armano.
again. Um, if I can encourage you to please raise your right hand and rep repeat after me. I state your name do solemnly swear and affirm that I will faithfully and impartially
discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me as a Lawrence school committee member according to the best of my abilities and understanding
agreeably to the rules and regulations of the Constitution of the United States, the laws of this Commonwealth, and the charter and ordinances of the city of Lawrence. So, help me God. Congratulations.
Congratulations. Congratulations. And last, but most definitely not least, the members of the Greater Lawrence Technical School Committee. I would invite you to come up, please. Zoa, Diesla, Julio Mahia, and Edinson Mercedes.
again, please. Good job. You got it already. Um, I state your name. >> Do solemnly swear and affirm >> that I will faithfully and impartially
>> discharge and perform >> all of the duties incumbent on me as a member of the Greater Lawrence Technical School Committee, according to the best of my abilities, and understanding
agreeably to the rules and regulations of the Constitution of the United States, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the charter and ordinances of the
city of Lawrence. So help me God. Congratulations. Congratulations. >> Thank you, Eileen. And now for the benediction, I'd like to bring up the Reverend Israel Rodriguez. I ask you to please stand as we say our
final prayer. Heavenly Father, you are the source of all goodness and blessings. You are the source of authority and power. Today we ask you to bless, protect, and guide Brian Dea, our newly elected mayor of
Lawrence, our city councilors, and all city officials. We beg you to send your wisdom from on high to guide their decisions, to strengthen their resolutions towards the good, and to protect them from all evil
and harm. May they duly serve and advocate for the citizens of our city of Lawrence. May they serve with courage, promote the common good, and assist the needs of our people. And so in the words of the book of
Numbers, we invoke the blessing upon each one of them and all of you here present. May the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord may his face shine on you and be gracious to you. the Lord turn
his face toward you and give you peace. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen. >> Thank you, Reverend. Finally, uh Charlotte Pasel is going to come up and sing God Bless America for us.
God bless America land that I love. Stand beside her and guide her through the night with a light from
above. From the mountains to the prairies to the o with God bless
my home sweet home. Beautiful. What a beautiful voice. Finally, in closing, we'd like to thank everybody for coming tonight. We're so
fortunate to have you, Mayor Deion, back with us for another in four years. God bless Mayor Depia. God bless the city of Lawrence. Thank you. Let's have a good night. Hello. Thank you everyone. On behalf of Mayor Deñena, we would like to invite
you to a reception at 354 Mary Street, Salvator. City.