Due to COVID-19, the city of Canandaigua held an outdoor swearing-in ceremony Thursday for the Mayor and City Council, attended by a limited number of friends and family.
The Daily Messenger reports the ceremony was held on the steps of City Hall. Mayor Bob Palumbo was sworn in. The incumbent Republican was re-elected in November, defeating Democratic Councilor Dan Unrath. “It wasn’t the ceremony we were hoping for, but it was very nice,” Palumbo said. “It’s too bad we couldn’t have more people there.”
Also taking the oath of office was Sim Covington, Jr., the first black man to serve on the City Council. Covington is Chief Diversity Officer at Finger Lakes Community College.
Councilmembers Stephen Uebbing, who was re-elected, and Thomas Lyon, who was appointed to his seat originally, but won election for the first time in November, were also sworn in. Councilor Renée Sutton was unable to attend and was sworn in remotely.
In the town of Canandaigua, new Supervisor Jared Simpson was sworn in on New Year’s Day. His father, Robert Simpson, previously held the post. “My goal going forward is to continue to listen — and continue to care — to the people who might not ordinarily have a voice,” Simpson said.
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