Shown from left, Alderwomen-at-Large Shoshanna Kelly, Amber Morgan and Alicia Gregg are sworn in during the city's inauguration at the Performing Arts Center on Jan. 4. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

NASHUA – U.S. Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) welcomed six city and school officials into their new roles during this year’s inauguration on Jan. 4.

“An inauguration is a formal beginning,” she said. “You come to this work with a love for this city. What I see in you, I wish I saw in the United States Congress.”

Goodlander also said that in America, inaugurations are not conducted in castles or behind closed doors.

“This is what makes our country different,” she said.

The new members of the Board of Aldermen include Stephen Chess representing Ward 1, Paula Johnson representing Ward 5 and Vengerflutta Smith representing Ward 6. Alicia Gregg and Amber Morgan were also sworn in as alderwomen-at-large. The following incumbent members were re-elected and sworn in for another term: Ward 2 Alderman Richard Dowd, Ward 3 Alderwoman Patricia Klee, Ward 4 Alderman Thomas Lopez, Ward 7 Alderman Timothy Sennot, Ward 8 Alderman Derek Thibeault, Ward 9 Alderman John Sullivan and Alderwoman-at-Large Shoshanna Kelly.

Ward aldermen are sworn in during the city's inauguration at the Performing Arts Center on Jan. 4. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

During the board’s organizational meeting, Alderwoman-at-Large Lori Wilshire was re-elected as president while Alderman-at-Large Benjamin Clemons was elected as vice president succeeding Alderman-at-Large Michael O’Brien.

While addressing her colleagues, Wilshire highlighted the progress that was made to begin the remediation process at the Mohawk Tannery site. However, she also said affordable housing as well as neighborhood impacts will continue to be at the forefront this year and may require some difficult discussions.

“Strong debate is part of the job,” said Wilshire.

On the Board of Education, new members Santosh Salvi and Jaimeika Lewis were sworn in as well as incumbent members Heather Raymond and Regan Lamphier, who won re-election.

Mayor James Donchess delivers his remarks during the city's inauguration at the Performing Arts Center on Jan. 4. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

U.S. Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) served as the master of ceremonies during the city's inauguration at the Performing Arts Center on Jan. 4. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON