Skibitsky to Take Second Term Oath Tonight

Mayor Andy Skibitsky will be sworn into a second full term during the Town Council's reorganization meeting tonight.

The meeting will also feature the swearing in of two new members, and two returning members, of the Council. The Council will also make appointments of various town professionals and volunteers to boards and committees in town government.

Skibitsky, who will deliver his annual State of the Town address following the swearing in, earned the right to a second term following his landslide defeat of Democrat Bill Brennan in last November's election. Skibitsky, a former Third Ward councilman, was first appointed mayor in June 2005 following the resignation of former mayor Greg McDermott. Skibitsky defeated former mayor Tom Jardim in the 2005 election. If Skibitsky serves until late June 2013 he will become the longest serving mayor in Westfield history.

Republican Sam Della Fera will take the oath for his first term as a First Ward councilman. Della Fera, an attorney and former member of the Historic Preservation Commission, defeated Democrat Janice Siegel for the right to replace outgoing Councilman Sal Caruana, who decided against seeking a third term on the Council. Della Fera will represent the ward alongside Councilman Frank Arena.

Republican Keith Loughlin will be taking the oath for his first term as a Fourth Ward councilman. Loughlin, an attorney and former Memorial Library trustee, defeated Democratic Councilman Tom Bigosinski last November. He will represent the ward alongside Councilman Jim Foerst.

Second Ward Councilwoman Vicki Kimmins will be taking the oath for her second term on the Council. Kimmins, a Republican, was unopposed in her reelection bid last year, after Democrat Carolyn Klinger-Kuetcher dropped out of the race over the summer and Democrats decided against fielding a replacement candidate in the ward. Kimmins represents the ward alongside Councilwoman Joann Neylan.

Third Ward Councilman Dave Haas will be taking the oath for his second full term on the Council. A Democrat, Haas defeated Republican Tom Delaney in the November election. Haas also served a one year term in 2003 after he was appointed to replace former Councilman Kevin Walsh, who stepped down to become a federal prosecutor. Following Bigosinski's defeat, Haas will be the Council's sole Democrat for at least the next two years. Haas represents the ward alongside Councilman Mark Ciarrocca.