It was standing room only Saturday, April 5 at the Village Hall in Bergen as newly elected Mayor Anna Marie Barclay and Trustees Kevin Donovan and Emily VanEenwyk took their oaths of office.
Village Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer Cortney Gale opened the ceremonies by saying the occasion was one for celebrating more than public service. He noted that very few people are willing to put forth the time and dedication necessary to hold public office.
“We are here to show our support and thank them publicly for all they have done and will do for the community,” Gale said.
Genesee County Legislator Robert Bausch administered the oath of office to Donovan, VanEenwyk and Barclay.
Barclay is the first woman mayor in the history of Bergen. She served 16 years on the village board – 14 of those as deputy mayor – before being elected mayor in March.
She spoke April 5 about how she, Donovan and VanEenwyk had visited residents in their homes to discuss village issues prior to the election.
“Now it is time to continue the conversation we have started,” she said.
Barclay invited residents to become involved, engaged and to join in their community through public service as well as volunteering and attending community events.
She said that she and fellow members of the Village Board will work to, “….live up to the confidence and trust you have put in us.”
Outgoing Mayor Ralph Marsocci and Trustee Ginny Adams (both of whom did not seek re-election) were honored for their years of service to the village with proclamations and gifts.
Marsocci said he was confident the village board would do a great job as Bergen moves into the future.
Photos by Kristina Gabalski
