Middlebury officials sworn in

#MiddleburyCT #Election4Nov2025

Foreground, Town Clerk Brigitte Bessette, left, administers the oath of office to Middlebury First Selectwoman Jennifer Mahr on December 1, 2025, as William Stowell, rear left, looks on. Mahr was the first to be sworn in at the evening ceremony. (Marjorie Needham photo)

By MARJORIE NEEDHAM

In a historic moment for Middlebury, Town Clerk Brigitte Bessette administered the oath of office to First Selectwoman Jennifer Mahr during a December 1, 2025, ceremony at Shepardson Community Center. Mahr is the first woman to serve in this position. She also is the first unaffiliated person to do so.

The swearing in ceremony, conducted by William Stowell, began with Stowell introducing members of the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) and Middlebury Police Department. The audience rose as the MVFD color guard presented the flag so all could pledge allegiance. Rev. Sherry Hardwick Thomas of St. George’s Episcopal Church then delivered the invocation (she also gave the closing) before Bessette swore in the newly elected officials.

Once everyone was sworn in, Mahr spoke briefly. She described the night as a “momentous honor, one that I accept with deep gratitude … and a profound sense of responsibility” and said it was “both humbling and historic” to stand there as Middlebury’s first female chief executive officer. She said, “I intend to lead with transparency, thoughtful collaboration and for the benefit of all.” Congratulating the other newly elected officials, she spoke of “a new chapter for Middlebury built on partnership, respect and the shared belief that when we work together we can achieve great things.” She also thanked town employees, first responders, board and commission members and volunteers “for keeping Middlebury running with professionalism and pride every single day.”

She ended with, “Finally, to the young girls and young women listening, let this moment remind you that leadership is open to you, that your voice matters, and that there is no dream too bold for you to pursue. You belong in public service, in rooms where decisions are made and wherever your community is being shaped.” She concluded her comments with, “Thank you for this extraordinary honor. May God bless Middlebury and God bless America.”

Also sworn in on December 1 were:
Treasurer – Democrat Ralph Barra.
Three Board of Finance members – Democrats Charles “Casey” Larkin IV and Donald Andrews for two six-year full terms and Democrat Michael McCormack to fill a four-year term.
Three Police Commission members – Democrat Ralph Barra and Republicans George Moreira and Thomas C. King.
Two Water Pollution Control Authority members – Republican Antonio Mancini and Democrat Charles “Casey” Larkin IV.
Two Library Trustees – Republicans Rita H. Smith and Mary C. Veillette.
Two Pomperaug Valley Water Authority members – Democrat Michael Yantorno for a six-year term and Republican Christopher Gilbertie for a two-year term.
Two Region 15 Board of Education members: Republicans Shannon Cavallo and John Jenusaitis.

All who are sworn in started their terms December 1, 2025. Republican Brendan Browne, who won a seat on the Board of Assessment Appeals was absent and was to be sworn in separately.