Today, the Naperville City Council held a special inauguration ceremony for new and returning members.
The ceremony began with the presentation of colors, followed by the pledge of allegiance and national anthem.
Councilman Kevin Gallaher, who was not re-elected, then gave his farewell remarks to the chamber.
“You know I grew up dreaming about being involved in politics, and I’m the luckiest person in the world because I got to live my dream, not once, but twice,” said Gallaher. “Who knows what’s going to happen when this chapter closes but there will be another chapter to be written and I will still be around, and I will always love Naperville for everything that it’s given me and my family.”
Following Gallaher’s farewell, returning council members John Krummen and Kevin Coyne were sworn in.
“I moved here as a widowed father of two boys in middle school and boy did everyone ask me ‘what are you doing moving to Chicago, Naperville, you don’t know anybody there.’ And this community completely welcomed us and I will always be indebted,” said Councilman Krummen. “So now that they’re [his sons] are raised and on their own, I put my hat in the ring and was very happy and very humbled to be elected.”
“I’m proud of the work that we’ve done and I think that we’ve made what has always been a strong city even stronger,” said Councilman Coyne. “So again thank you for this outstanding honor of letting me come up here again. I think our future is bright, I’m very happy and look forward to working with Dr. White, I think he’ll be an outstanding addition, and thank you again to the residents for letting me come back.”
Dr. Benjamin White joined the incumbents as the newest City Council member and Naperville’s first African-American member.
“I have fallen in the footsteps of several trailblazers throughout my lifetime, and now to somewhat be considered one is really an honor and I’m very humbled for that and I take it very seriously,” said Councilman White.
Councilwoman Judith Brodhead was unable to attend the ceremony because of a prior family engagement. She will be sworn in on Tuesday, May 2, prior to the City Council meeting.
Naperville News 17’s Christine Lena reports.
