As Rev. Kate Malin said in her invocation at the City of Rye’s swearing-in ceremony at City Hall on January 1, “Every year begins with hope.” In her prayer, she asked “to give our local representatives the courage to make wise decisions.”

Mayor Josh Cohn welcomed the crowd and paid special thanks to City staff for their assistance, Honorable Judge Valerie Livingston, and Robin Latimer, who led the singing of “God Bless America” at the conclusion. 

As Judge Livingston swore in the three residents who were elected to the Council in November — Keith Cunningham, Jamie Jensen, and Josh Nathan — family members snapped photos and exchanged hugs.

The ceremony is never lengthy, but it is a fine tradition, and it was heartening to have so many elected officials — State Senator Shelley Mayer, Assemblyman Steve Otis, County Legislator Catherine Parker, County Executive George Latimer, and City Councilmen Bill Henderson — in the audience and at the casual reception that followed.

– Photos by Alison Rodilosso