Meet the new mayor
Mutter era officially begins in Cumberland
CUMBERLAND — Jeffrey Mutter officially took over as mayor of Cumberland on Sunday in an inauguration ceremony that focused heavily on unity and community spirit.
More than 200 people, including several local and state dignitaries, came to the McCourt Middle School, where Mutter was sworn into office via Skype by the Rev. Thomas Conboy, pastor of Calvin Presbyterian Church, who administered the oath of office from 1,500 miles away in Minnesota. The video call was broadcast on a giant screen in the school auditorium, which echoed with cheers and applause after Mutter, joind by his wife, Jenny, was officially sworn in.
Mutter, 58, replaces former Mayor William Murray, 79, who served one term as mayor.
In his inaugural address, Mutter called on the entire community to come together to help change Cumberland’s direction, identity and vision for the future.
“It’s such an honor to be given this opportunity to be mayor of Cumberland,” he said. “I want to thank you for your counsel, time, energy and friendship. I am most grateful for your continued support and enthusiasm today.”
“Please remember, ‘We Matter’ is not just a campaign slogan.
Without you, we would not be celebrating here today and, more importantly, I wouldn’t want to be here without all of you,” he said
“I believe in Cumberland, and I believe in Cumberland’s future,” Mutter said. “By capturing the spirit and energy of today, together we can work to create a community that provides opportunities for all – whether you want to live, work or play in Cumberland.”
During his speech, Mutter referenced his favorite movie, “The Legend of Bagger Vance.” In the movie, Will Smith’s character, Bagger Vance, counsels Rannulph Junuh, played by Matt Damon, that all that is standing in his way of winning history’s greatest golf match is finding his swing.
“Our one true authentic swing is that thing we do that only we can do the way we do it,” Mutter said. “It’s about believing in the best of ‘you.’ Many of you have used your authentic swings to help improve our town and we will need you again. There’s still more to do. I want you to know that your authentic swing matters and just might hold the key to helping solve some of our most difficult challenges.”
Dignitaries at Sunday’s ceremony included Lt. Gov. Daniel J. McKee, who was Cumberland’s mayor when Mutter served on the Town Council and School Committee.
“I was introduced to Jeff in 1996 and I can tell that there is not an individual more responsible for Cumberland’s robust financial condition and recovery than Jeff Mutter,” McKee said in his speech. “Back then we figured it out and got it down. He is well-positioned to lead our town and take the next step on this journey of making Cumberland a great community live in. He is a friend of mine and a friend of Cumberland. He has spent decades of his life in service of Cumberland and it’s going to be a pleasure working with him again.”
Other dignitaries attending the event, which was led by Master of Ceremonies Dr. Peter Langton, were Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, state General Treasurer Seth Magaziner, State Sen. Ryan Pearson and Roger A. Picard, and State Representatives Mia A. Ackerman, Robert D. Phillips, Alex Marszalkowski and James N. McLaughlin.
Also attending were Lincoln Town Administrator T. Joseph Almond and Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien, Central Falls Mayor James Diossa and North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi.
Music was provided by the Cumberland High School Jazz Band and the CLEF Singers.
The Invocation and Benediction were given by the Rev. David Pierce, pastor of Four Corners Community Chapel.
“We are here today not to celebrate another chapter, but a new chapter,’” said Town Councilman Robert Shaw. “All he (Mutter) wants to do is to get to work for Cumberland and he knows that working with the council and listening to the council is something we look forward to in the upcoming year.”
“We have also expressed our commitment to working with the mayor to ensure that Cumberland is a better place today than it was yesterday,” Shaw added.
“The School Committee and the education community look forward to working with the mayor,” added School Committee Chairman Paul DiModica. “He will challenge us to do better every day.”
Sarah King, a 22-yearold town resident who campaigned for Mutter and is now his new executive assistant, said the new mayor listens to people “and believes in the same things we all believe.”
“Exciting things are upon us,” she said.