Nashua InkLink: At Nashua inauguration, Goodlander praises ‘government closest to the people’

NASHUA, NH – “One of the things I’ve observed in this job as your congresswoman, which is truly the honor of my lifetime, is how true it is that government closest to the people is the most effective kind of government and that is exactly what we have in this room today,” Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander said this morning as the Master of Ceremonies for Nashua’s 113 city inauguration at the Nashua Center for the Arts.

Nashua residents, city staff, and family and friends of the newly elected officials gathered in the auditorium to witness the swearing in of the city’s new leadership for the 2026-2027 term.

Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander was the master of ceremonies for the hour-long inauguration and business meeting, which followed. Photo/Allegra Boverman.

After introductions, the event started with a Presentation of Colors by the honor guards of the Nashua Police Department and the Nashua Fire Department. Nashua ultramarathoner Matty Gregg led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Nashuan Al St. Louis sang the national anthem.

Alderwoman at-Large Shoshanna Kelly, Nashua resident Amelia Guarino, joined by St. Louis, sang Amazing Grace in memory of late Alderwoman Gloria Timmons and Ray Guarino.

Alan St. Louis, right, sang “Amazing Grace” with Alderwoman Shoshanna Kelly, at center and Amelia Guarino at left during a tribute to former Alderwoman Gloria Timmons, who passed away earlier this year. Photo/Allegra Boverman

In recognizing the importance of local government, Goodlander said Nashua’s government is not abstraction, but practical and accountable, a place where trust in democracy is earned, or lost, and where crucial decisions from streets to housing are made.

In addition to the newly elected, Goodlander took a moment to recognize current standing officials on the fire commission, Board of Public Works, Board of Education, and Board of Aldermen.

Mayor Jim Donchess, far right, addresses the crowd during the 113th Inauguration at the Nashua Center for the Arts. Photo/Allegra Boverman

“You come to this work with a love for our city, with a love for our state, our country, and at bottom a love for one another,” Goodlander said. “I know you understand the responsibility because I’ve seen you in action. I get to see you in action every day in this job and it is what makes this job so extraordinary for me. What I see in you, I wish I saw more of in the United States Congress. A seriousness of preparation, you do the work, a respect for the process, a respect for one another, and a basic understanding that disagreement is not dysfunction. It doesn’t have to be and it shouldn’t be.”

Mayor Jim Donchess said he looks forward to working with the new board over the next two years to build upon the progress the city has made, from creating affordable and market rate housing, further enhancing the riverfront, educating Nashua’s children, bringing in jobs, and creating a stronger economy.

Board of Aldermen President Lori Wilshire was sworn in for another term. Photo/Allegra Boverman

After the ceremony, an organizational meeting of the Board of Aldermen was held in which members selected their seats, approved committee assignments, and elected both a President and Vice President of the board.

Longtime board member Lori Wilshire was reelected board president, and Alderman-at-Large Ben Clemons was elected Vice President, a position that was recently held by Alderman-at-Large Michael O’Brien.

From left, Paul Shea and June Lemen were sworn in to the Department of Public Works, Photo/Allegra Boverman

Absent due to a family emergency, Clemons shared on social media that he looks forward to working with all of his colleagues, stating that his priorities for the next term include making amendments addressing Accessory Dwelling Units, implementing a dedicated downtown clean team, working on legislation to help Nashua’s unsheltered population, and preserving the Keefe Auditorium with the redevelopment of the former Elm Street Middle School property, among other things.

Aldermanic Committee Assignments

Budget Review: Dowd (Chairman); Sennott (Vice Chairman); O’Brien, Thibeault, Kelly, Gregg, Johnson
Finance: Klee (Vice Chairman) Smith, Wilshire, Sullivan, Clemons, Lopez
Human Affairs: Lopez (Chairman); Kelly (Vice Chairman), Chess, Johnson, Morgan
Infrastructure: O’Brien (Chairman); Dowd (Vide Chairman); Johnson, Gregg, Smith
Joint Special Building: Dowd (Chairman); Chess, Smith, Sennott, Sullivan
Pennichuck Water Special: Klee (Chairman) O’Brien (Vice Chairman), Chess, Lopez, Wilshire
Personnel/Administrative Affairs: Kelly (Chairman); Clemons (Vice Chairman), Lopez, Thibeault, Gregg
Planning & Economic Development: Thibeault (Chairman); Celmons (Vice Chairman), Klee, Sullivan, Morgan