By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN

PAWTUCKET — Coming at the end of a day that began with the laying to rest of one of Rhode Island’s most beloved statesmen, the inauguration of Pawtucket’s elected officials on Monday put public service in a proud and glorious spotlight.

Indeed, many of the state’s leaders who attended the nighttime ceremony at Tolman High School had spent the morning at the funeral of Sen. Claiborn Pell, and the venerable legislator was remarked on often by various speakers.
From Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis and Attorney General Patrick Lynch to Councilor Henry S. Kinch Jr., all spoke of Pell’s great legacy and linked it with the new terms of public service that Mayor James E. Doyle and the members of the Pawtucket City Council and School Committee are about to embark on.
Other members of state and local government in attendance were the Pawtucket Delegation to the General Assembly, Providence Mayor David Cicillini, North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi, Lincoln Town Administrator T. Joseph Almond and former governor Bruce Sundlun.
While done with a scaled-back budget, the ceremony that was filled with tradition and local touches that lent elegance and pomp.
A chorus from the Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing and Visual Arts performed several numbers, with principal John Haidemenos at the piano. The Pawtucket Police Honor Guard escorted the various dignitaries while Patrol Officer Wallace H. Martins lent his considerable vocal talents to the National Anthem and other ballads.
However, in many ways, it was also “family night,” particularly for Mayor James E. Doyle, who was administered the oath of office by his son, Sen. James E. Doyle II; as well as Councilor Henry S. Kinch Jr., who was unanimously elected president of the City Council with his father, former mayor Henry S. Kinch, Sr., sitting in the audience.
Doyle administered the oath of office to the members-elect of the City Council, which included new Councilor-at-large members Lorenzo C. Tetreault and Albert J. Vitali, Jr., and District 5 Councilor Jean Philippe Barros. The rest of the City Council who were re-elected include Councilor-at-Large Thomas E. Hodge, District 1 Councilor David P. Moran, District 2 Councilor Paul J. Wildenhain, District 3 Councilor Henry S. Kinch, Jr.; District 4 Councilor John J. Barry III, and District 6 Councilor James F. Chadwick, Jr.
Doyle also administered the oath of office to the members-elect of the School Committee, including new members Raymond W. Noonan and Joseph C. Knight. The re-elected members are Joanne M. Bonollo, James T. Chellel, Jr.; David A. Coughlin, Jr.; and Nicole Ann Nordquist.
Amy-Lynn Breault Zolt, who was also re-elected, could not attend the ceremony but will be sworn in Jan. 8 at City Hall.
Doyle, entering his sixth term as the city’s mayor, noted in his inaugural address that while there are many good things about Pawtucket, “we are living in the worst fiscal crisis we’ve seen in 80 years.” He assured those in the audience that “Pawtucket will get through, but it won’t be quick, easy or painless.” He also noted that the city will have join forces with public and private sectors more than ever before to meet its needs in the current economy.
Doyle said he was optimistic about measures such as the $2.3 million in federal funding recently made available to help with the foreclosure crisis, and a $200 million small business stimulus plan promised by the governor. He also said that engineering plans are moving ahead for a downtown commuter rail stop that could be completed by 2015.
Singling out his wife, Joan, his son and two daughters, and his grandchildren, Doyle also said he remains “optimistic and inspired by my wonderful and loving family.” He also noted that his wife’s brother, John B. Richer Jr., was serving for the sixth time as the master of ceremonies for his inauguration. “He gets better each time,” he joked.
Kinch, in his first speech as council president, thanked his colleagues “for placing your faith in me.” He also noted the numerous challenges the city is facing, but pledged to foster a spirit of cooperation and open communication between the city council and the School Committee.
Speaking directly to his father, the city’s former mayor, Kinch said, “Dad, anything that I bring to this office I learned from you. Thank you so much.”
The council also unanimously elected Councilor-at-large Thomas E. Hodge to serve as the president pro tempore.
Following the inauguration, which had begun earlier that afternoon with an inaugural mass at St. Cecelia’s Church prior to the ceremony, a reception was held at the drill hall in the Pawtucket Arts Exchange.