Cranston Mayoral Inauguration Events Announced, Dennis and Liz DeJesus Honorary Chairs

Cranston Mayoral Inauguration Events Announced, Dennis and Liz DeJesus Honorary Chairs

Cranston Mayor-Elect Kenneth J. Hopkins has announced plans for Cranston’s upcoming inaugural activities that will take place as required by the Cranston City Charter on Monday, January 4, 2021. 

“Because of the anticipated restrictions for large gatherings and the need for proper social distancing, most parts of the inauguration will be conducted virtually.  We will provide public access for viewing through social media like Facebook, YouTube and the city website as part of a planned webinar on Zoom,” said Hopkins. The ceremony and meeting will begin at 7:00 pm.

The ceremonies planned will include the swearing in of Hopkins as Cranston’s new mayor and the administration of the oath of office to the members of the City Council and School Committee.  In addition to the taking of the traditional oath of office, the City Council will conduct the first zoom meeting of the New Year to elect a council president and vice president. Other appointments will be made by the council including the organization of committee chairpersons and the election of several city officials including part-time municipal judges. 

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Swearing In

Hopkins will be sworn in as Mayor by outgoing Mayor Allan Fung in the City Council Chambers with members of his family present.  After speaking live with his inaugural remarks, he will then swear in the members of the City Council and School Committee virtually. A formal call to order and conduct of the City Council meeting will be led by City Clerk Leanne Zarrella until the election of a new council president.

“We are mindful of the continued public health concerns and I along with the members of the City Council and School Committee will participate in a much different ceremony than the traditional inaugural program we typically hold in Cranston.  It will still be a celebration of a new term for our local government to start off a hopeful 2021,” Hopkins stated.

Hopkins has asked Cranston residents Dennis and Liz DeJesus to serve as chairpersons for the 2021 Inauguration.  Dennis DeJesus is currently the Executive Director of Rhode Island Special Olympics and Liz DeJesus is the Donor Relations Manager for Crossroads Rhode Island. 

They have been assisted by other committee members including former Mayor Michael A. Traficante, City Clerk Leanne Zarrella, Deputy City Clerk Rosalba Zanni, Anthony C. Moretti, CPA, Robin M. Melfi-Coia, Jeff Butler, Kerri Sears, Steven Paiva and Robert D. Murray, Esq.  Councilman Christopher Paplauskas has served as liaison with the City Council and Chairman Daniel Wall has coordinated matters for the School Committee members.

The members of the City Council to be sworn in include: Council Members City Wide Robert J. Ferri (R); Nicole Renzulli (R); Jessica M. Marino (D); Ward 1 Lammis J. Vargas (D) incumbent; Ward 2 Aneice Germain (D) incumbent; Ward 3 John P. Donegan (D) incumbent; Ward 4 Edward J. Brady (R) incumbent; Ward 5 Christopher G. Paplauskas (R) incumbent and Ward 6 Matthew R. Reilly (R).

The members of the non-partisan School Committee to be sworn in include: Member City Wide Michael A. Traficante; Ward 1 Sarah K. Tindall-Woodman; Ward 2 Kristen A. Haroian; Ward 3 Domenic F. Fusco, Jr.; Ward 4 Vincent J. Turchetta, Jr.; Ward 5 David A. Alden Sears and Ward 6 Daniel R. Wall.  With the exception of Domenic Fusco, all school committee members are returning for another term.