Driscoll Chosen to Lead City Council in New Year

Longtime Ward 4 City Councilor Bob Driscoll was selected by his colleagues to lead them forward in the new year Monday night during the city's inaugural ceremonies.

Driscoll's election as City Council President marked the second time he's held that position in his 26 years on the council -- the first time was in 1991.

Driscoll takes the reins from Councilor-at-Large Tom Gould, who's now entering his second term.

Traditionally, the most junior councilor who hasn't served yet is selected as President, but at times when all returning councilors have served, more senior members often get another chance to lead the council.

Councilor-at-Large Anne Manning-Martin made the nomination for Driscoll, saying he would bring experience and dedication to the job. She also noted his 26 years on the council and 35 years as a teacher and coach, along with he and his wife Sally's countless contributions to the city over the years.

Manning-Martin praised Driscoll as a "calm," "reasoned" and "seasoned" voice on the council and someone who has always put others ahead of himself.

Driscoll, offering brief remarks, said Gould did an "outstanding" job the past year and his hard work and the rest of the council helped "moved the city forward."

"I promise I will try to do my best to help the city councilors and the mayor make us all proud to be residents of our community," Driscoll said.

As for Gould, he took stock of his wrapped gift from his colleagues and quipped: "As long as this is not an ice cream scoop I'll be very happy."

Gould, the owner of Treadwell's Ice Cream, said he enjoyed the year at the helm, working alongside fellow councilors, the mayor and other city officials, and was thankful for the opportunity.

Monday's ceremonies also included the formal organization of the School Committee after incumbents Beverley Griffin Dunne, Jarrod Hochman and Tom Rossignoll were sworn into office for new terms.

Hochman was chosen to serve as Vice Chair for the year (succeeding Dunne), while Dave McGeney will take over from Ed Charest as the committee's secretary. The mayor serves as the chairman of the committee.