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Recap: 2026-27 Inauguration

Tonight, Methuen's newly elected and re-elected Government Officials were sworn in at the Inauguration Ceremony held at Methuen Memorial Music Hall.


The festivities started with an address by MA State Representative Ryan Hamilton. He made poignant remarks about our great city and the heart of neighbors helping neighbors. "A community that refuses to settle for what is easy and instead, strives for what is right." A message that encapsulates what's in our hearts as the town of Methuen. Another highlight of his speech was a mention of the late Robert F. Kennedy: "Some see what is asking why, while others dream things that never were asking why not." Hamilton goes on to say this is the heart of what's at stake: Why not work together? Why not insist on a city government that listens, responds and delivers results for the people? This is excellent advice moving into 2026. Representative Hamilton's speech was heavy on what the people are feeling; our elected officials are here to serve the people. If we all work together, we can and will accomplish great things!


Following Representative Hamilton's welcome address, we had:


The Presentation of Colors

National Anthem

Pledge of Allegiance

Invocation by Reverend Nathaniel Burns the Pastor of First Baptist Church


City Clerk Anne Drouin administered the oath of office to:

Nevins Memorial Library Trustees:

  • David Boucher (absent)

  • Christine Touma-Conway


Methuen Housing Authority:

  • Ellen Weinhold

  • Nancy Reardon


Greater Lawrence Technical School Committee:

  • Thomas Hatem

  • Bradley Jones


Methuen School Committee:

  • Marybeth Donovan Grassi

  • Laurie Keegan

  • Kristen Maxwell

  • Martha McCarthy Sirois

  • Nicholas DiZoglio

  • Kenneth Willette (absent)


Methuen City Council:

  • Ryan DiZoglio - At Large

  • John Drew - At Large

  • Jana Zanni Pesce - At Large

  • Yanilda Santos - Central

  • Ella MacLaren - Central

  • Neily Soto - East

  • Ron Marsan - East

  • Patricia Valley - West

  • Michael Simard - West


Mayor:

  • David P. Beauregard



Following the swearing in of the 2026-2027 elected officials, Mayor Beauregard gave his Inaugural Address.


He started by honoring the late Mayor Neil Perry, and the important work he was doing while in office. He said as we approach Methuen's 300th year, it's important that we continue to build upon the foundation Mayor Perry started and not slide back into the old ways of doing things. Here he quotes Mark Twain: “History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” He goes on to say, “Methuen doesn't belong to whomever the Mayor is, it doesn't belong to whoever sits on City Council…it belongs to its people.” I couldn't agree more!

Methuen DOES belong to its people. The residents, the small business owners that shape our local economy, the people who are here making it their home. He states, “Methuen's government is supposed to be the stewards entrusted to govern our city.”


He enthusiastically states what a proud history Methuen has given the many different groups who came here to create a successful future for themselves and their families. The Irish, Italian, French, Lebanese and Dominican to name a few. Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths!


Another point mentioned is the need to break down the barriers between city and school governments. “Taking collaboration to heights not seen in years.” We certainly hope to see this collaboration as it is an investment in one of our most important assets - our children. Their education and future opportunities should be a top priority. Those who have been paying attention have seen the barriers begin to fade, starting with the health department's direct reporting to the school committee. The more the school department and the city government can work together, the better outcome we will have as a whole. The backbone of a strong community is a strong and successful school district.


The Mayor continued on with the importance of making Methuen more affordable for all; especially for our veterans and seniors. He specifically spoke on their tax burden and the rising cost of electricity. His demand for the aggregate electric supply cost is continuing through 2027. He recognizes the needs of our veterans and seniors are ongoing and he's committed to continuing his advocacy on their behalf.


The Mayor's speech was, again, poignant and pointed. “It's going to be a necessity to confront them [all issues] with honesty, transparency and a commitment to practical, sustainable, long-term solutions.”


We couldn't agree more! Methuen, as a community - as a town - can and will move forward with the best interest of its residents in the forefront.


Thank you, Mayor Beauregard. We look forward to the next two years and to seeing everything you spoke on tonight coming to fruition.



MCS will have the recording on their site in a day or two.

Written by: Heather Plunkett


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