Westwood’s 2022 Mayor and Council President For A Day Sworn in at the December Public Meeting

They recited their respective oaths of office flawlessly!

Mayor Liam gaveled the chamber (with authority) to order, led the dais in the pledge of allegiance and gave the Mayor’s Report.

He identified the best thing about Westwood as our downtown stores.

Council President Ryan assisted in delivering the prior meeting minutes for a vote. During the Council President’s report he’d noted our excellent parks as his favorite part of Westwood.

The boys’ family looked on beaming with a particular pride and understandably so. Liam and Ryan come from a family with deep public service roots. Mom, Linda, serves as the Mayor’s Representative on the Westwood Free Public Library Board. Dad, William, is a Detective Sergeant with Maywood Police.

And Grandpa, William (Billy) Phayre Sr. is a WFD firefighter, the department’s 2015 Honorary Chief, and a former Westwood Council member serving as Liaison to WVFD for two years during his Council tenure.

So it really was no surprise to find Liam already sitting comfortably on the dais, in the Mayor’s Chair, when the Governing Body entered chamber! A thought bubble over his head might have read: “Let’s get this party started.”

The boys concluded their appearance for the evening by judging the council members’ and professionals’ most festive holiday attire. The judges’ decision would be final and there would be no recount.

It was between myself and Borough Engineer Boswell for “Best Holiday Tie.” My tie played jingle bells. Mic drop.

And, for the record, my reminding Mayor Liam that I was his grandpa’s favorite Governing Body member had no bearing whatsoever on my victory!

Best overall outfit came down to Councilman Biccochi dressed in a full on Santa costume (including boots, bells, and beard) and Council President Dell reprising her classic Mrs. Claus ensemble.

Beth shot into first place when her son, Matthew, delivered the family schnauzer, swaddled in Christmas regalia, to the dais! The way to a boys heart is through a puppy. (Shameless!)

In all, everyone had a wonderful time. Mayor Liam informed his mom that he was really still the Mayor until Mayor Arroyo got reinstalled.

So please refer any complaints about potholes, flooding, garbage pickups, and overnight parking to Mayor Liam.