Woodbridge Swearing In Ceremony, originally uploaded by Aldon.

Woodbridge – Wednesday afternoon a person from Beecher Road Elementary school called to let us know that there had been a power outage at the school and to ask if we could pick up our daughter early. Kim drove over to the school and picked up Fiona. On hearing that large parts of town were without electricity she decided it might be prudent to head up to her father’s house in Bethany where she could work online with less fear of losing power. This would also give Fiona a chance to see her grandparents and their dog.

A couple hours later, I headed over to the Woodbridge Town Hall to attend the swearing in ceremony of those elected in the May elections. I wasn’t sure if the power would be back on or if the rain would hold off.

Gerry Weiner officiated and visiting dignitaries were noted. State Rep. Themis Klarides, Dr. Guy Stella, the superintendent at Beecher Road and New Haven Mayor John DeStefano were all in attendance. Attorney General Dick Blumenthal and State Sen. Joe Crisco could not attend because of other business, but Attorney General Blumenthal sent a letter of congratulations.

Anyone who has been to any sort of political event in the past year in Woodbridge would have been acquainted with First Selectman Sheehy’s speech. He spoke of his accomplishments over the past term and his hopes for the coming term. Perhaps most importantly, he spoke about the importance of bringing civility to local politics in Woodbridge.

Afterwards, people from Woodbridge gathered for light refreshments and to congratulate the newly elected and newly appointed officials.

The power was back on in Woodbridge. The rain had held off. Perhaps most importantly civility has prevailed and provided a strong contrast to other political struggles in our state, country and world.