Salem ushered in a new year Monday morning at the Inaugural Ceremony at City Hall.

City councilors, including newcomers Kevin Carr, Josh Turiel and Todd Siegel, were sworn in as were school committee members, including first time members Deborah A. Amaral and Lisa Lavoie.

New City Council President Joan B. Lovely was acknowledged and addressed fellow councilors and attendees, providing a history of those forefathers whose portraits hang in the chambers.

School Committee Incumbent Jim Fleming was elected Vice Chairman of the School Committee.

In her State of the City Address, the mayor spoke about Robert Booth's recently published historical book Death of an Empire: The Rise and Murderous Fall of Salem, America’s Richest City and drew comparisons with modern day Salem. 

She also spoke about the past and future of the power plant and her dedication to ensuring all Salem students get the education they deserve.

Other highlights included the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem led by the Salem Girl Scouts and Salem High School's Witch Pitch as well as the processional and presentation of colors by the Salem Police and Fire Departments' Honor and Color Guards.

Father John Sheridan provided the Invocation and Benediction.

Watch our video for a selection of scenes from the event.