Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra was sworn in for her second term on Monday, Jan. 5.
Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis
NORTHAMPTON — The latest iteration of city government to represent the city of Northampton were officially sworn in on Monday, Jan. 5, inside the Northampton Senior Center.
Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra was sworn in for what will be her second term as mayor following a reelection bid where she edged out challenger Jillian Duclos by fewer than 100 votes.
When speaking during her inaugural address, Sciarra noted that this would be her 6th oath taken for the city as a former city councilor before becoming mayor and that there is now not a single person serving on the council or school committee that was there when she first began.
“As of today, 50 different people have served in those capacities over the past 12 years. The rough equivalent of two complete turnovers for reach body in a little more than a decade. That’s so many people who want and had the opportunity to participate in our elected body is the sign of a healthy local democracy,” said Sciarra.
Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra gives her inaugural address alongside the newly elected City Council and School Committee after being sworn in for a second term. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis 
The latest iteration of the Northampton City Council is sworn in. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis 
The latest iteration of the Northampton School Committee is sworn in. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis
Sciarra also thanked those who ran and those who continue to engage in the city’s issues for being a part of conversations, whether in agreement or not on an issue.
“Of course, in any democracy, there will be disagreements. That is the beauty of democracy,” Sciarra said. “When we recognized that and we embrace it, we can have any difference of opinion and get the most done for our community.”
The newest City Council and School Committee members were also inaugurated during the ceremony, bringing notable turnover for both bodies. Five new City Councilors – Ward 1’s Gwen Nabad, Ward 3’s Laurie Loisel, Ward 5’s Aline Davis, Ward 6’s Chris Stratton, and Meg Robbins for at-large – join reelected members Ward 2’s Deb Klemer, Ward 4’s Jeremy Dubs, Ward 7’s Rachel Maiore, and At-Large councilor Garrick Perry.
Seven new School Committee members were sworn in during the inauguration ceremony, bringing a majority of new faces to the group. Seven of the committee’s nine members did not seek reelection for the upcoming term.
These newcomers on the School Committee include at-large members Tiffany Jewell and Roberta “Robbie” Saner Sullivan, Ward 1’s Alena Bartoli, Ward 3’s Renika Montgomery-Tamakloe, Ward 5’s Amy Martyn, Ward 6’s Cynthia Mahoney and Ward 7’s Valerie Reiss. Ward 4 incumbent Michael Stein was reelected for this new term.
Not inaugurated during the ceremony was Ward 2 committee member Anat Weisenfreund. Per the city’s charter, Weisenfreund was sworn in following the November election being certified as the seat was left vacant in early 2025 after previous committee member Karen Foster resigned.
Weisenfreund was appointed through an interim role to the vacant seat in early 2025 and ran for it this past November. When a newly elected official wins what was a vacant seat, they are inaugurated following the election.
Other officials sworn in during the inauguration ceremony included the trustees of Smtih Vocational and Agricultural High School, trustees of Forbes Library and the elector under the Oliver Smith Will.
The ceremony was led by Judge Gail L. Perlman and invocation and benediction was given by Rabbi Jacob Fine and Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian, respectively. A musical performance was given by the Young at Heart Chorus.
In the closing of her speech, Sciarra said it is another challenging time for the city as newly elected officials take office facing both challenges locally and federally. With that in mind, Sciarra said it was important for all elected officials to remember collaboration is vital in order to best represent constituents.
“We are more than bureaucrats and key systems operating. We have an obligation to the present and to look towards the future. An obligation to lead with integrity and care to create a resilient, equitable and thriving community for all and that is the same for years to come,” said Sciarra. “These aren’t isolated issues. They’re interconnected and Northampton’s future depends on treating them as part of one shared vision of affordability, accessibility, sustainability, and equity. And we need a solid fiscal foundation so we can address the needs of today with a responsible eye for tomorrow.”
