1.5.2026 Inauguration of Municipal Officers

Everyone please stand.

la.

Hallelujah.

[clears throat]

City of the city.

Please stand.

Good afternoon everyone.

On this great day, as we begin this new year, we gather in gratitude and continued hope for the administration here at the city of Forer.

I use the opening words of a prayer composed of an adaption for the church and for civil authority by the late John Carol, the first archbishop of Baltimore. and I quote, "Almighty and eternal God, you have revealed your glory to the nations, God of power and might, wisdom and justice.

Through your authority is rightly administered, laws enacted, and judgment decreed." End quote.

We pray today for our mayor Paul Kugan as he begins a new term to continue to bring light and continued vision to the city of Fore River and its citizens, its workers, and those who entrust him to this office of mayor.

May he discharge the duties that will momentarily be given to him with honesty, respect, and the benefit to always help this city stand tall, be a wonderful place to live, to work, and to continue its great pride in the wonderful city that we call home.

We ask your blessings upon our city councilors who work aside Paul, Mayor Paul Kugan that they will be one of heart and mind for all that they serve.

We ask you to bless our school committee members as they seek the best for our teachers, our administrators, and most importantly the young people in our schools.

May they always be those examples of true servants.

We likewise today commend to your unbounded mercy all of the citizens of the city of forever that we will be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your law.

May we be preserved in union in that peace which the world continued to longs for in the many blessings of life.

We make our prayer to God who is Lord forever and ever. Amen.

Kindly remain standing for the national anthem which will be performed by vocalist Emily Naraki.

Say by the dawn early light.

What so proudly we held at the twilight last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight or the ramparts we watched.

So galling and the rockets red glare.

The bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say does that star spangled [crying] yet?

Or the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Please be seated.

I now call upon Assistant City Clerk Chelsea Pacico to collect the certificates of election and report to the city clerk.

The certificates indicate that there is a mayor elect, eight counselors elect, and six school committee members elect who are present with credentials, indicating that they have been elected to the office for the years 2026 and 2027.

I will now call upon Reverend Rob Nemovich, chaplain of the Fall River Police Department to offer the prayer for divine guidance. Please stand.

Please join with me in prayer.

Lord God, on this inauguration day for our city of Fall River, where Paul Kugan begins a new term of service to our community as mayor and where our city council, a new city council and school committee begin their roles of service for the good of our city. May they follow the example of Solomon, who when the Lord asked him what he would like, Solomon asked not for riches or fame, but for wisdom.

May all of our elected officials seek your wisdom and guidance and the work that is ahead. May they always seek the ways of righteousness, justice, and mercy. Grant that enabled by your divine guidance, they may lead and serve our city with honesty, and integrity.

When times are difficult, grant them your grace, patience, and courage to do what is right and just.

Give them the gifts of your spirit, wisdom understanding counsel knowledge, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord, that they may be conscious and genuine in their work, as well as fair and compassionate for the benefit and common good of all of the people of our city. Help us to be supportive of their efforts, drawing strength from what unites us. Let us come together with Mayor Kugan and our other elected

officials to always seek the greater good and well-being of others through our words and actions together. Let us make Fall River a place of fairness, peace, respect, and concern for one another. Lord, we ask this in your most holy name. Amen. Amen.

Kindly [snorts] remain standing for a rendition of God Bless America which will be performed by Emily Noraki.

God bless America, land that I love.

Stand beside her and guide her through the night with the light from above.

From the mountains to the prairies to the wide with God bless America, my home sweet home.

God bless America, my home sweet home.

Please be seated.

We will now proceed to administer the oath of office to Mayor elect Paul E.

Kugan.

Mr. [snorts] Mayor, if you please

Please raise your right hand.

I state your name. I, Paul Kugan, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I would faithfully that I will faithfully and impartially perform and impartially perform the duties of the office the duties of the office of mayor of the city of Fall River of mayor of the city of Fall River to the best of my ability to the best of my ability and understanding and understanding in accordance with the constitution

in accordance with the constitution and laws and laws of the United States of the United States and of this commonwealth and of this commonwealth the city charter the city charter and the ordinances of the city of Fall River and the ordinances of the city of Fall River.

So help me God.

So help me God.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

[snorts] We will now proceed to administer the oath of office to members of the city council. As the names of the counselors elect are called, they will please rise, Shaun E. Kadin, Joseph D. Camarra, Michael G. Canuel, Michelle M. Dion Christopher Michael Peekham Linda M. Pereira Cliff A. Ponti Andrew J. Reposo.

Please raise your right hand.

I state your name. I do solemnly swear domly swear that I would faithfully that I would faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office the duties of the office of city counselor of city councelor of the city of Fall River of the city of Fall River to the best of my ability to the best of my ability and understanding and understanding in accordance with the constitution in accordance with the constitution

and laws of the United States and the laws of the United States and of this commonwealth and of this commonwealth the city charter the city charter and the ordinances of the city of Fall River the ordinances of the city of Fall River.

So help me God.

So help me God.

Please step forward to sign the old book.

[snorts]

You watch this.

[snorts] We will now proceed to administer the oath of office to members of the school committee. As the names of the school committee members elect are called, they will please rise.

Kevin Michael Aguiar, Colin Ardias, Thomas Corey, Emmanuel Mones, Anna Christina Riley, Chanel Joyce Stewart.

Please raise your right hand. I state your name. I am Thomas do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I would faithfully that I would faithfully and impartially perform and partially perform the duties of the office the duties of the office of school committee of school committee of the city of Fall River of the city of Fall River to the best of my ability to the best of my abilities and understanding

and understanding in accordance with the constitution in accordance with the constitution and laws of the United States.

Laws of the United States and of this Commonwealth and of this Commonwealth.

The city charter the city charter and the ordinances of the city of Fall River.

ordinances of the city of Fall River.

So help me God.

So help me God.

Please step forward to sign the oath.

[snorts]

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special guest with us today. She's a Fall River native who began her career as a Boston Herald columnist and became a frequent guest on CNN, ABC and IMUS in the morning. She is a prominent journalist, radio host, and columnist, best known as the co-host of Boston Public Radio with Jim Broad, and is a much respected voice known for her deep dive commentary,

which often focuses on faith, gender, and societal issues. Please help me welcome Marjorie Egan.

I hope I've got this right. Yeah, you can hear me.

So, a few weeks ago, maybe Paul Kugan called me, Mayor Kugan, I should say, called and asked if I come here uh come home and say a few words today at his inaugural. And of course, I said yes.

Almost nobody here knows this, but uh Paul Kugan delivered my first kiss at Oakrove Cemetery behind a headstone, the burial place not just of Lizzie Bordon and her murdered parents, but also the first mayor of Fall River, James Buffington, which may have that moment may have inspired Paul for his future political success. Anyway, I I think I was like 12 and and and Paul was an older man of 13.

This moment was a game changer for me. I don't think Paul even remembers, but that's okay. I'm here nonetheless to say a few words about uh my hometown, which was such a wonderful place to grow up and [snorts] um a little bit about Paul and a little bit about uh politics. So, first, two of my closest friends growing up were Susan Freys. If you are as old as I am, which is 71 years old, you may

remember Susan Fras's father, Walter Freys, ran a sporting goods store down on North Main Street and single, just one store. And uh in those days, that was enough to get him a nice house in the Highlands, as we as we called it, right on Highland Avenue. And my second close friend is especially in junior high school, was Paul's younger sister, Eileene. Um Eileen and I were were cheerleaders together at Morton Junior

High School and um uh I sit I hang out with Susan Fras and Susan Fras's backyard looked out was right connected to Paul Kugan's house. I think there are 11 kids there. 11 kids there. Yeah. So we'd be out in the backyard, you know, playing capture the flag or whatever. And we look over and we see uh Paul's older sister, Moren.

She always had was chasing a toddler or she had a a a baby. um in her arms and uh they were a great family. The phrases were a great family. It was a great neighborhood. We were back in the 60s, again, if you're older, you may remember this. Back in the 60s, we were always raising money for something. We raised pennies to bring the battleship Massachusetts to Fall River. That was a

really big deal. Um we walked downtown and rode that carousel. Older people may remember there was a carousel where city hall is now with these really magical jeweled horses and we'd all get down there and ride the carousel. We'd go to the uh Dery theater, the old Dery theater there. There was a great uh fish tank in the middle of the Dery Theater.

This gorgeous fish tank, bubbling fish tank. And then we go around the corner, candle pin bowling alley at the of course the Dery bowling alley.

I went to the West Doll school for elementary school and this was before bilingual education uh was was uh uh made a law and every other week practically at the West Doll school a new Portuguese-speaking kid would arrive in our classroom and what they used to do then before bilingual education they'd have the old older these older Portuguese kids they'd be like 10 or 11 they put them in a classroom with the

very very young kids like the seven and eight-year-olds. And I I felt bad for these kids because they would, you know, these big giants compared to the little kids and they stuff them in these little chairs and desks for the little young kids. And I remember the principal of our Westall school then, her name was Mary Dwire. uh she'd talk about how the kids who did learn English quickly

before their parents uh would come to the school as translators for their parents when the kids had to meet with teachers or with Miss Dwire or with other school officials.

But I also remember Mary Dwire talking uh she became a friend of my family many years later about how many of these little kids she saw coming to Fall River, coming from another country without a dime to their name, uh would grow up to open their own businesses and and buy their own uh lovely houses. And I remember, I think some people still do this, but I remember as a kid seeing so

many families that came from the Azors.

They would paint around the white foundation stones of their houses. Um, these bright blues and bright green colors because I think it reminded them of the lush uh homeland they came from in the Azors.

Anyway, this was a much different time uh in Fall River and in America. It was we're just getting not that far past World War II. The middle class was really rising and soaring and the working class had a real chance to catch up. Uh we built a lot of big things and we built the Braga Bridge then. Uh we built uh 195 capitalism then was very highly regulated.

People forget sometimes that the top tax bracket in the United States for the richest people then in 1966 was 70%.

It had been 90% until 1964.

A whopping 90 uh 90% in 1964.

Today the tax bracket even for billionaires in the United States is 37%.

not much higher than the tops t bracket tax bracket for middle class and workingclass people. Um, a lot of people don't seem to think that's a problem. I think it's a problem. I I think it's a problem that our federal government today is not that interested in regulating in much needed regulating of capitalism or in dealing with the system uh a tax system and other systems that leave so many of my kids and probably

your kids and your grandchildren afraid they're never going to be able to own a home or they're not going to be able to participate in the American dream. And I get frustrated. You know, I'm in the news business. I read about this and talk about this every day. I get very frustrated that this current federal government uh is not interested in fixing this situation. Um but what it has done is made what goes

on in the states and particularly the local governments of the country so much more important because if the federal government is going to not going to do anything. The state and local governments have to do something to fight back to remember the common man and the common woman. people who are working every day to try to take care of their families, take care of their children, take care of their grandchildren.

So, I am very honored to be here today for the inauguration of Paul Kugan. Paul Kugan has spent his life, as most of you know, a teacher, an administrator. He's on the school committee. Uh um now he's serving as the mayor. He has devoted his public life to the city of Fall River.

I'm glad to be here uh for him because I think he's somebody who's shown he is willing to fight back for the common man and the common woman who need so much help right now.

So may the wind be at your back, Mayor Kugan, and may the wind always be at the back of the place I'm so proud to have come from, Fall River, Massachusetts.

Thanks.

Ordered that we now proceed to elect by viva vosce vote a president of the city council for the year 2026.

[snorts] A motion is in order to adopt.

[clears throat] The motion have been made and seconded.

All those in favor?

Those opposed.

The order is adopted. As the council's names are called, they will reply with the name of the candidate of their choice for the office of president of the city council.

[snorts] Councelor Kadine Clifford Allen Ponty the second councelor Chimera Clifford A Ponty Council Canuel Clifford A Ponty Council Dion Clifford Ponty Councelor Peekham Clifford Ponty Councelor Ponty How about me?

Did you ask me?

I did not.

Okay, I'll say I'll say Cliff Pants.

Thank you. My apologies.

Council Ponty.

Cliff Ponty.

Council Raposo.

Cliff Ponty.

Councelor Ponti, having received eight votes, is hereby declared president of the city council for the year 2026.

Will the president-elect please step forward for administration of the oath of office?

Please raise your right hand.

I state your name. I, Cliff Ponty, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I would faithfully that I will faithfully and impartially perform and impartially perform the duties of the office the duties of the office of president of the city council of president of the city council of the city of Fall River of the city of Fall River to the best of my ability to the best of my ability and understanding

and understanding in accordance with the Constitution in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the United States and laws of the United States and of this Commonwealth and of this Commonwealth, the city charter the city charter and the ordinances of the city of Fall River.

and the ordinances of the city of Fall River.

So help me God.

So help me God.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Good evening, Mr. Mayor, Madame Clerk, fellow elected officials, members of our municipal family, and most importantly, the people of Fall River, I want to begin by thanking my colleagues for the trust you've placed in me to serve as your city council president. The trust was not given lightly, and I accept it with humility, seriousness, and resolve.

So, thank you all very much.

I also want to thank councelor Joseph Chimera and councelor Pereira for their leadership over the last two years and outgoing city councilors Tith and Kilby who are here for their leadership to this city. Public service is demanding, often thankless and always consequential. Your commitment to Fall River matters and it will always be remembered.

Tonight is not about a gavl. It is not about titles and it's certainly not about just one person standing on this stage. Tonight is about a city and more importantly about its people. Fall River is a city that knows how to work, a city that knows how to endure and a city that knows how to fight its way forward. This city was built by people who didn't wait to be rescued. They showed up. They

worked in mills and in factories, hospitals and in classrooms, kitchens and in small businesses. They believe that effort mattered, that responsibility mattered, and that if you did your part, your children would have a better shot than you did. That belief built Fall River. And that belief is still alive.

The people spoke clearly in this last election. They didn't whisper. They didn't hedge. They spoke with conviction. They told us they want change. They don't want slogans. They don't want speeches. They don't want excuses. They want results. They want change that they can see. Change that they can feel. Change that reaches their neighborhoods, their schools, their paychecks, and their streets.

They told us they want good government, serious government. Government that works as hard as they do, respects their tax dollars, and answers to them.

Tonight, every elected official on this stage accepts that responsibility, knowing the standard has been raised, and people are watching.

Fall River is more than a city with a proud past. Fall River is a city of opportunity.

Not because opportunity is handed out, not because it's always been earned here.

It's earned by families who built something out of nothing. earned by residents who stayed, invested, and believed even when leaving could have been easier. But opportunity doesn't sustain itself.

It does not survive on good intentions.

It does not survive on politics and it does not survive on autopilot. It must be protected. It needs to be renewed and it must be expanded deliberately and responsibly so it reaches every neighborhood, every family and every single generation.

For too long, too many people felt decisions were made without them in mind. That government spoke at them and not with them. That ends now. Not because because we do not inherit power.

We inherit responsibility. A responsibility to listen before we lead.

A responsibility to govern with discipline and humility. a responsibility to remember that every single ounce of authority that we hold is borrowed from the people and it must be earned back every day, every week, every year, every election cycle. That's not politics. That's leadership. The strength of Full River does not come from any of us or city hall. It comes from the people. From the small

businesses unlocking their doors before sunrise. From the parent working two jobs and still showing up for their kids. from the senior who built this city and deserves some dignity and security. From the young person asking a simple honest question, can I build my future here? To all of you, hear me clearly. You are seen. You are valued.

And your voice will help shape the direction of this city. Government does not create opportunity. Our people do.

The people of this city do. Our responsibility is not to manage lives but to set conditions for success. To open doors, not guard them. To remove obstacles, not create them. To ensure that where you start in Fall River does not determine how far you can go. That's not an ideology. That's not partisanship. That is competence. And that is the Fall River way.

One of the most serious responsibilities we all have here on this stage is during budget season. And budgets, they're not paperwork.

They're statements of priority. They tell the people what we value. They tell neighborhoods whether opportunity is real or just promised. And we will spend responsibly. We will demand accountability. And we will respect every dollar because every dollar represents someone's time, effort, and sacrifice.

That is how trust is built. This council will be measured will not be measured, I'm sorry, by volume. It's going to be measured by outcomes. We were going to we're going to debate, but we're going to decide.

We will disagree, but we will govern. We will respect differences, but we will not tolerate dysfunction. Because progress does not require a unanimous vote. It requires direction. It requires discipline. And it requires leaders willing to make hard decisions because avoiding them it costs the people far too much more.

Fall River has been counted out before and Fall River has proven people wrong before. We are not a city that waits.

We're not a city that folds. We are a city that gets back up and gets to work.

As I conclude, I want to tell you that Fall River is not broken. Fall River is not waiting. It's ready. It's ready for leadership that takes responsibility instead of making excuses. Ready for government that delivers results instead of rhetoric. Ready for decisions made with discipline, accountability, and respect for the people who pay the bills. The people were clear. They didn't ask for politics. They asked for

progress. And progress requires work. It requires courage. And it requires leaders willing to be measured by outcome outcomes and not an applause.

The responsibility before every single one of us on this stage tonight is real.

The standard has been set and the work begins right now. Thank you. God bless you and may God bless the city of Fall River.

Mr. President, with your permission, I will proceed with the order of business.

Ordered that we now proceed to elect by Viva Vosi vote a vice president of the city council for the year 2026.

A motion is in order to adopt.

A second having been made. Um, all those in favor, those opposed.

The order is adopted. As the council's names are called, they will please reply with the name of the candidate of their choice for the office of vice president of the city council.

Councelor Kadim.

Michelle Dion.

Councelor Chimera.

Michelle Dion.

Councelor Canuel.

Michelle Dion.

Councelor Peekham.

Michelle Dion.

Excuse me. I keep messing up the order of the names. Councelor Dion.

Michelle Dion.

Thank you. Councelor Pereira.

Michelle Dion.

[snorts] Councelor proposal.

Michelle Dion. Thank you, Council President Ponty.

Councelor Dion, having received eight votes, is hereby declared vice president of the city council for the year 2026.

Will the vice president-elect please step forward for the administration of the oath of office

today?

Please raise your right hand.

I state your name. I, Michelle Dion, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I would faithfully that I will faithfully and impartially perform and impartially perform the duties of the office the duties of the office of vice president of vice president of the city council of the city council of the city of Fall River of the city of Fall River to the best of my ability to the best of my ability and understanding

and understanding in accordance with the Constitution in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the United States and laws of the United States and of this commonwealth and of this commonwealth the city charter the city charter and the ordinances of the city of Fall River the ordinances of the city of Fall River.

So help me God.

So help me God.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Good afternoon. I would first like to recognize and thank our state delegation for being here with us today. I would also like to welcome our guest speaker Marra Egan from NPR. I would like to thank Father Reine and Father Nimovich for their blessings, our civic leaders.

I would like to congratulate Mayor Kugan, President Ponti, my colleagues on the county on the city council, as well as thank them for their vote to elect me as vice president. And congratulations to the newly elected school committee members.

I would especially like to welcome and thank all of you for sharing this day with us. Our success is because of you, our families, friends, and supporters.

On that note, in the future, when you come across people who don't vote and tell you their vote doesn't matter, please tell them how wrong they are.

Because if not for each and every vote you and others took, we would not be on this stage today. And for that, I thank you.

I believe you elected a school committee and a city council that will hit the ground running. My vision for all of us to be proactive and forward thinking which will allow us to affect necessary change. It is time for all people including those in government to be held accountable for the betterment of our city and our residents.

This we can accomplish in a professional and respectful manner.

History shows us that the actions we take today can impact us for generations to come. I envision 2026 as a year of positive change and collaboration as we move into the future. In closing, I very simply would once again like to say thank you.

Please remain seated while musical selections are performed by the Dery High School Concert Band under the direction of Julia Klingner, band director.

Heat.

[snorts]

Heat.

Heat. Heat.

Heat.

Heat.

[bell]

I don't

Good morning.

Heat. Heat.

[panting]

Heat. Hey, hey, hey.

Heat.

Heat.

Thank

you.

I will now call upon the Honorable Paul E. Kugan, mayor of the city of Fall River, to deliver the inaugural address.

Mr. Okay.

Well, I can tell they set me up because I had to follow the great Dury Orchestra and uh Emily Naraki. So, let's give them a hand again. That was special.

And this is a very special day in the city of Fall River. And I want to thank everybody that came out tonight to join us here and uh congratulate our new city council, our new school committee, and everybody that's going to help move Fall River along.

And so, good evening. It's an honor to be standing here tonight with my colleagues in local government as I start my fourth term. Whether you're sitting here tonight or watching from home, I want to thank you for your support and care for Far of his future.

I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me and I am humbled to be sworn in again as your mayor. And I want to take this opportunity to thank members of our state delegation. Senator Rodri, Representatives Viola, Sylvia Wulette, Mark Lanigan from Marky's office and registry um Tom Hoy came down from Taton today along with one of our former mayors Eddie Lambert. All key to making Fall

River a better place to live.

And to my colleagues on the city council and the school committee on stage here with me, I pledge to continue working with all of you for the betterment of the city and our residents.

To Chief Fetado and Chief Bacon and the members of the clergy on the stage this evening who serve as our police and fire department chaplain, thank you for your dedication and support for our public ser safety personnel day in and day out.

to our guest speaker, Marjorie Egan. I wasn't too keen on some of her old stories, but I did invite her, so I got to take my lumps like a man, but I do want to thank her for not forgetting her Fall River roots and coming down to join us today. It was special to have someone come back and take a look at Fall River through the rearview mirror. So, let's give her another hand. Also,

Fall River has never been a city that shies away from hard work. From our industrial roots to our present- day revitalization, the story of Fall River is a story of resilience. Generations of families came to Fall River seeking opportunity. They built their lives here through determination and sacrifice and passed on a deep sense of pride in our city. That spirit is alive today and is

what gives me confidence as we begin our next chapter together.

Over the past several years, Fall River has improved steadily on many fronts.

This progress did not happen by chance.

It happened because of the thoughtful planning, strategic budgeting, and the persistence and dedication of our committed team and residents like yourselves who believe that our city can and should continue to to get better.

One clear sign of that progress can be seen in the strength of our local economy and the growing confidence in Fall River as a place to live, work, and invest. Home values across the city have risen significantly from the $350,000 on average when I took office in 2020 to more than $468,000 on average today. This rise reflects increased demand, renewed neighborhood vitality, and a belief that our city is

on an upward trajectory. For homeowners, this means growing equity and stability.

And for a city as a whole, it signals renewed faith in our future. My administration is committed to expanding housing opportunities across the income spectrum. That means encouraging responsible development, supporting the creation of new housing units, rehabilitating existing properties, and working with our nonprofits and private partners to ensure that housing growth benefits everyone.

At the same time, rising home values must be balanced with a strong commitment to affordability. A successful city is one where longtime residents can remain in their neighborhoods they helped to build, where young families can afford to put down roots, and where seniors can age in place with dignity. This is why my administration remains committed to preserving affordable and subsidized

housing opportunities across Fall River.

Fiscal responsibility has also played a critical role in Fall River's recent progress. The city has strengthened its financial position, which has resulted in an improved bond rating, an achievement that reflects confidence from outside investors and financial institutions in how Fall River manages its resources. An improved bond rating lowers borrowing costs, saves taxpayers dollars, and allows the city to invest

more effectively in our infrastructure, our schools, public safety, and essential services. It is a sign that for River is being managed, managed with foresight and accountability, and it is a solid foundation upon which we can continue to build.

Another area where progress is clearly visible is the for public schools.

Our students are making significant strides in academic performance, test results, and graduation rates. Just as importantly, enrollment in four of our schools is growing. Again, in 2020, we had 10,220 students. They were enrolled in our schools. Today, that number is over 11,000.

Families are choosing to stay and that confidence speaks volume about the direction of our schools, the dedication of our educators, our administrators and the staff who work every day to support our student students. But there's still more work to be done in educational improvement is not a single achievement but an ongoing commitment. We will continue to invest in our schools. We expand our vocational and technical

opportunities, support early childhood education, and ensure that every student regardless of their background or neighborhood has access to high quality education that prepares them for a fruitful life. And to that end, I'd like to also welcome who joined us tonight was uh the new president of Bristol Community College, Sedwick Harris. Uh very, very committed to Fall River, very

very committed to our students. So, I'm glad you're with us tonight. Dr. Harris, we appreciate you here very much.

And public safety is another essential measure of a city's health. And Fall River has made significant strides here.

Crime rates have improved, reflecting the hard work and professionalism of all of our officers and the efficacy of our community partnerships. Violent crime has fallen by 23% from 2020 with total crime falling by nearly five 12%. And I also will work with the city council and our other elected officials to strengthen both our fire departments and EMS to maintain top tier service for all

of our residents. My administration is committed to continuing its balanced approach, one that emphasizes enforcement, prevention, and trust. Safe neighborhoods are built not only through patrols and response time, but through relationships, youth engagement, mental health resources, and a justice system that is fair and effective. Our goal is simple. Every resident should feel safe in this city. And one of the most

exciting transformations going on in Far can be found along our waterfront.

Through strategic planning and investment, our waterfront is being reimagined as a vibrant space for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Waterfront development is about more than building new buildings. It's about reconnecting the city to its natural assets, creating public spaces, supporting local businesses, and generating economic activity that benefits the entire community. With strategic development, the Taton River waterfront will continue to serve as a gateway to Fall River's future.

And as we look ahead, our priorities remain clear. We will continue to strengthen our neighborhoods, invest in infrastructure, support small businesses, and attract responsible development. We will pursue grants and partnerships that bring resources into the city without placing undue burden on our taxpayers. and we will do so with transparency, integrity, and respect for all the people we serve.

But projects and progress is not measured solely in statistics or buildings. It is measured in the quality of life. It is measured whether pe parents feel confident in their children's schools, whether seniors feel safe and supported, and whether workers can find good jobs close to home, and whether our residents believe their voices will be heard at government center.

That belief, trust in government, is something that must be earned every day.

My commitment to you is straightforward.

I will listen. I will be accessible. and I will lead with honesty and respect.

Disagreement is a natural part of democracy and we must always remember that we share a common goal. A stronger, a fairer, and a more prosperous Fall River.

As I take the oath of office tonight with my colleagues, I do so with gratitude, humility, and optimism.

Together, we will continue to build a Fall River that is strong, vibrant, safe, inclusive, and full of opportunity. A city that respect its history and meets the needs of today's and prepares confidently for tomorrow.

Thank you for the honor of serving you as mayor once again. May God bless you all and may God bless the city of Fall River. Thank you.

Please stand for a rendition of the Battle Hymn of the Republic performed by the Dery High School Concert Band.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Everybody.

Let's [panting]

get inside.

Hey little man. Heat.

Heat.

[panting] long.

Hey

Come on.

Please be seated as we call upon Reverend Rob Nemovich, Chaplain of the Fall River Police Department, to deliver the benediction.

Gracious and eternal God, as we conclude this inauguration for our city of Fall River, we give thanks for the gift of community and the trust placed in those who will lead and serve it. We humbly ask your heavenly benediction on our newly inaugurated leaders, Mayor Kugan, our city council, and our school committee. That integrity be the foundation of our governance. Kindness the language of our interactions

and vision the light that leads us forward. May Fall River be a city where hope is nurtured, where neighbors care for one another, and where every voice is valued. Guide our steps towards unity, peace, and shared prosperity.

Let justice be the measure of our policies, compassion, the spirit of our actions, and unity the bond that holds us together. Bless the residents of this city, the young and the old, the longestablished and the newly arrived.

May each person find here a place of safety, opportunity, and belonging. Help us to see one another as partners in building a thriving community.

Go with us now, O Lord, and let your blessing rest upon this city, its leaders, and its people today and always. Amen.

Mr. President, there is no further business before this council and with your permission, I will adjourn this meeting.

A motion to adjurnn is in order.

Second.

All those in favor?

Those opposed?

Hearing none, the motion carried and this meeting is now adjourned.

Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the inaugural ceremony. We thank you sincerely for your attendance and wish to extend to you our warmest wishes for a happy and healthy new year. While the mayor, city council, school committee, and the inaugural party are escorted from the auditorium.

Will everyone please stand?

Honor guard, please retire the colors.

[cough and clears throat]

What is it?

Glory.

Clack.