This week will mark an historic one for local inaugurations, representing both the swearing in of new top political officials in some communities and totally new practices for others.

In Johnston, outgoing mayor Joseph Polisena turns over the keys to the corner office to his own son, Joseph Polisena Jr. — a generational first for the town where the Polisena family has reigned since the elder Polisena was sworn in as mayor 16 years ago. All eyes will now be upon his successor to see what priorities and governing style he will take with him to Town Hall.

In Cranston, four women will again be sworn in to the nine-person City Council, a high-mark for female representation that was set back during the lockdown-marred days of the pandemic. And on Monday the council elected Jessica Marino president.  She is the first female Cranston City Council President.  It will be interesting to see how the council (which contains a mixed group of Democrats and Republicans) is able to work with Mayor Ken Hopkins moving forward.

In Warwick, this week’s inauguration marked the last of two year mayoral terms, as voters approved 4-year terms with a limit of two consecutive terms in November.  Voters also approved a limit of six two-year terms for council members.  Picozzi himself made a bit of history, too, running unopposed for mayor in the city for the first time in 20 years.

Adding to the fun, the city welcomes a majority of three brand-new members to the school committee, and it will be interesting to see how the committee is able to mesh together in the coming months and years. The committee meets for a first time on Jan. 10 with the election of a chair being the first order of business.

As always seems to happen with the coming of a new year, there are plenty of reasons to feel optimistic and hopeful about the potential and opportunities that lay ahead. A fresh calendar means a fresh start, and in many of our communities there are eager, fresh people representing the interests of the people they sought to serve.

We will continue to keep an open ear and open mind for what decisions they make, and hope that continued progress and collaboration remains the highest priority for all.