Before the newly elected Council members were sworn in at Monday's Town Council meeting, several elected officials were recognized for dedicated service to the Town of Coventry during their terms and were awarded certificates from the Town.
Raymond E. Spear
Councilmen Ray Spear (Dist. 1), had served the town for 16 years as superintendent of schools, for four years on the School Committee, two as Chairperson, and for four years as Dist. 1 councilman, two of which he was president.
"I have to tell you that this one is little bit difficult," said Council President Gary Cote before reading the Town's proclamation to Spear. "I've known Ray, being a product of the Town of Coventry, being educated here and living here all my life, for quite a long time. I'm going to miss Ray's advice, his wit, his jovial nature, but most of all I'm going to miss his friendship. I'm going to miss having him sitting up here on this council with me."
"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve with you," Cote told Spear, "And I hope in my lifetime I will accomplish even a quarter of what you have accomplished for the taxpayers and citizens of the Town of Coventry"
Following his recognition, Spear thanked the members of his community for supporting him over the years.
"I've had a very very rewarding 24 years of service to this community and I feel extremely proud and pleased that you have provided me the opportunity to serve you in the three capacities that I have," he said.
"I've had some very humbling comments made to me over the last few weeks from people that know that I'm leaving. I want you to know that I leave with a great deal of love and caring in my heart for this community and for all the people that live here. I want you to know that as time goes on, I will be available, if there's anything I can do to help any of you in any capacity that you feel my experiences will be beneficial to you," he continued. "So with that, I step down from my position as a member of your Town Council with a little bit of ache in my heart. I thank you for all the years of support you have given me and I wish you all the very best as we go forward from here."
Glenford J. Shibley
Senator Glen Shibley was recognized for his service not only to the Town of Coventry, but also to the State of Rhode Island while he served as State Senator for Dist. 33 (Coventry, Warwick and West Warwick) from November 2010 to November 2012.
Carl L. Mattson Jr.
District 2 Councilman Carl Mattson was recognized for his hard work and dedication the Town of Coventry while he served on the Town Council from April 2011 to November 2012.