Politics & Government

In Inaugural Address, Dumas Highlights Accomplishments, Looks Toward Future

Mayor's speech highlighted Inauguration for City and School Elected Officials

 

"Doing more with less" was a sentiment Mayor Kevin J. Dumas touted in his fifth inaugural address Tuesday night in the Auditorium.

"The past eight years have proven to be a tremendous challenge - yet with many great rewards," Dumas said. ".. We continue to move forward in these tough economic times."

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Dumas' address took place during an inauguration ceremony for city and school officials. The night was packed with celebration and entertainment including performances by the Attleboro High School Color Guard, Police Honor Guard, Attleboro High School Marching Band and choir, the Attleboro High School jazz band and Saint John The Evangelist Choir.

The various Attleboro High School musical groups made Superintendent of Schools Dr. Pia Durkin proud. Durkin was the master of ceremonies for the night.

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"We have the best kids in the entire state," she said. "I say that to all of the politicians here tonight."

The swearing in was shared between State Senator James E. Timilty, State Representative George T. Ross, State Representative Elizabeth A. Poirier and State Senator Richard J. Ross.

During Dumas' swearing in, the mayor (who will return for a fifth term and a ninth and 10th year) stumbled over his words twice while Sen. Ross swore him in.

Dumas, who also performed a rendition of "Stand By Me" on piano, joked about his mishaps when he took to the mic for his speech.

"Hopefully, I do a better job at this than when I took the oath tonight," he said.

Dumas pointed out past accomplishments and focused on Attleboro's ability to renovate and grow over the past eight years in a harsh economy. He said his three key principals have been; living within their means, doing more with less and thinking outside of the box. Maintaining a "healthy cash reserve" and maintaining commitments to education and public safety were also keys to Attleboro's success during down times, he said.

Sidewalk rehabilitation, roadway repairs and the addition of restaurants downtown were all listed as accomplishments. He also said the city has been "proud to provide quality of life services" like the library, zoo and recreation program.

"I will continue to examine all of the town's finances for savings," he said, adding that he will treat the city's finances as if they were his own.

Plans for 2012 include improvements to South Main Street and Attleboro Business Park, he said. In addition, the town will begin the process of renovations to the high school and development on a new animal shelter.

Dumas wished returning city employees luck, and told new public employees to "be true to yourself and the residents." He also called on residents to step forward and join a city commission or board.

The returning mayor left Attleboro residents with a lofty goal for 2012 and beyond.

"It continues to be my ambition to be the best community in the commonwealth and I will continue to move forward," he said.

Check in with Patch Wednesday for a full photo gallery of the night's ceremony.


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