ASHTABULA — City Manager Jim Timonere, City Solicitor Cecilia Cooper and four city council members were sworn into their roles Thursday night at the Municipal Building.
Mistress of Ceremonies, Ward 4 Council person Jodi Mills, welcomed the crowd to the ceremony.
The Rev. Steve Sargent, associate pastor at Hiawatha Church of God in Christ in Ashtabula, gave the opening prayer, asking God to bless the city officials with the wisdom and energy.
Cooper administered the oath of office to Timonere, and returning Council President, John Roskovics.
Timonere, who was elected Nov. 7 for a fourth term, had his son, Jimmy hold the Bible with his wife, Janice, and daughter Jenna by his side.
“It’s truly been a pleasure,” he said. “The staff that we have is amazing.”
He also acknowledged the support of his family for his success.
Roskovics returned as president after winning the top votes in the council-at-large race.
Roskovics’ 4-year-old granddaughter, Alaya Roskovics, held the Bible and his wife, Cindy, served as witness. Roskovics was elected in 2015 to represent Ward 1, and in 2017 he ran for the council president’s seat and won.
Stephen Robison administered the oath of office to newly elected Council Vice President Russell L. Simeone. His wife, Ann held the Bible.
Ashtabula County Common Pleas Judge Thomas Harris swore in returning Ward 1 Council person, Kym Foglio, while her mother, Jean Vendetti held the Bible. Foglio’s husband, Dean Foglio, served as witness. Foglio was unopposed in the election.
Harris also administered the oath of office to newly elected Ward 2 Councilman Terence P. Guerriero. His wife, Kathy Guerriero, held the Bible and his mother, Rosemary Guerriero, stood by as witness.
Cooper, flanked by her son, Manny Cooper, was also administered the oath of office by Harris. Cooper, who was elected for a second term in November, ran unopposed.
The Rev. Raymond Thomas, pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish, congratulated all the newly elected officials, noting “the city is making a positive momentum.” He then closed the ceremony with a prayer and blessing.
