Swearingin celebration draws a crowd

Paul Winter performs before ceremony

LITCHFIELD — The mood at the Litchfield Community Center was festive as a crowd gathered to see newly elected First Selectwoman Denis Raap and other elected officials sworn into office.

Raap, a Democrat, invited Judge Andrew Roraback, a former state representative and senator who served the 64th District and the 30th Senatorial District, to swear her in. Roraback was joined by Republican state Sen. Craig Miner, RLitchfield, when he arrived at the center.

Raap defeated incumbent selectman Jon Torrant for the town’s top seat, shifting the balance on the board to

three Democrats and two Republicans. Incumbent Democrat selectmen Jeff Zullo and Anne Dranginis also won on Nov. 5, along with Torrant and Republican newcomer Tom Waterhouse.

The event began with a special appearance by resident and international recording artist and musician Paul Winter, who performed his hit song, “Common Ground.” Winter played solo on his clarinet, using a recording of the popular song to back him up. He encouraged the audience to sing along and clap, and most obliged, bringing people to their feet by the end of the song.

After Town Clerk Lisa Losee swore in the boards of education, finance and planning & zoning, Raap read a brief speech, calling the election a step toward common ground and a new beginning for the town.

“I will work for the common ground for everyone here,” Raap said. She thanked outgoing First Selectman Leo Paul, who chose not to seek another term after 14 years in office, for preparing her for the job during the last week.

Torrant chose to stay on the board as a selectman, in spite of losing to Raap.

“Working for the good of the town is what it’s all about,” he said, as the ceremony drew to close.

Emily M. Olson / Hearst Connecticut Media Litchfield held a swearingin ceremony and celebration Thursday night at the Litchfield Community Center, following the town’s municipal elections on Nov. 5. Front row, from left, are outgoing first selectman Leo Paul, incoming first selectwoman Denise Raap, and Planning & Zoning Commission members Carol Bramley and Peter Losee.

Emily M. Olson / Hearst Connecticut Media Litchfield held a swearingin ceremony and celebration Thursday night. Awardwinning musician and Litchfield resident Paul Winter performed at the start of the celebration, playing his song “Common Ground.”