PITTSFIELD — The Pittsfield Town Council on Tuesday night swore in two new members and elected a mayor and deputy mayor.
Eric Saucier and Ron Jester, who were elected in November, were sworn in to start the council’s first meeting of 2022.
Saucier represents District 4 after defeating former Mayor Heather Donahue for the seat.
Jester, who ran a write-in campaign, represents District 1, which had been filled by Deputy Mayor Tim Nichols, who did not seek reelection in November.
Also sworn in: Councilor Michael Cianchette, who was elected last summer in a special election to finish a term. He ran unopposed for reelection in November and is to serve a full, three-year term.
Cianchette previously served on the council through 2018. He also served as mayor in 2018.
After swearing in the new members, councilors voted to elect a mayor and deputy mayor. Councilor Jason Hall nominated Cianchette for mayor, and no other councilors expressed interest in the position. Cianchette was elected in a unanimous vote.
“I appreciate the council’s trust in my abilities,” Cianchette said, “and I will do my absolute best.”
For deputy mayor, Councilor Peter Logiodice expressed interest and was also elected unanimously.
There was discussion at the end of the meeting about setting up a special election for the vacant at-large council seat. The seat was held by Amanda Collamore, who is also in the Maine House of Representatives.
Collamore announced her resignation from the council in the fall, but the town was unable to hold an election for the seat until it was vacant.
Town Clerk Nicole Nickolan said prior to the council meeting she is aiming for the special election in mid- or late March.
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