Taking liberties with the Old Testament, Mayor Joseph Doria told the crowd at the July 1 swearing-in ceremonies, "There is a time to campaign and a time to govern," as part of his effort to make peace after a contentious and often bitter mayoral election.

Mayor Doria in being sworn-in for his third term as mayor of Bayonne equaled former Mayor Francis Fitzpatrick as the second longest serving mayor in Bayonne history. But this was not an easy victory, despite the 900 vote margin Doria won by in the June 13 run off election, and his speech was an effort to bring together the city after deep divisions during the election.

"We're past the time when we work hard to get elected. Now we're here to govern, and we will do this only by coming together," he said. "We have to have faith the process, faith in our public officials, faith in the future. This is a great city, and it is the only city we have, and we should be proud of it. We should have constructive criticism, not negative criticism. We need to talk about the good things that are happening. We should for every dollar paid get a dollar's worth of services."

Since his run off victory, Doria said he has met with his opponent retired Municipal Judge Patrick Conaghan in the interest of bringing the city together. "This is a time for reconciliation. I pledge to work together with anyone who wants to work with me."

Although the redevelopment of the former Military Ocean Terminal was a key issue in the mayoral election, Doria said it was not the only issue. He said the future of Bayonne is bright.

"We have accomplished a lot in the last eight years, but we will do more and we will do more in cooperation," he said. "The challenge is to do the best job possible, and to do what is needed in cooperation."

Council members give thanks and words of wisdom

The July 1 ceremony also saw the swearing-in of Councilmen Anthony Chiappone, Vincent Lo Re, John Halecky, Ted Connolly and Gary LaPelusa. At a brief reorganization meeting, Lo Re was unanimously elected Council president for the third term.

Seen as the opposition candidate on the city council Chiappone, who was sworn-in for his third term, said he hoped to work together with the mayor and council to make Bayonne better.

"Yes, there are serious problems facing our city," he said.

But in order to deal with these and govern the city, officials need to listen to all point of views, and have the ability to listen, and to compromise when necessary.

"I know this sounds idealistic, but nothing is impossible when truly desired," he said, saying he is willing to work towards that goal, yet will not betray the faith of those who voted for him.

In his comments, Lo Re said the success of the city was made possible my many people working together.

"Working together this mayor and council have transformed the face of Bayonne, the renaissance that began eight years ago will continue, and I believe our best years are ahead of us," Lo Re said. "Our city is a vastly different place today then when I took office in 1990."

But in citing many new elements such as the golf course, shopping mall and cruise ships, Lo Re said, Bayonne is still the safe community it always was.

"Our community is getting better everyday," he said. "And our new council will be the challenges of governing."

Connolly, sworn-in for his second term, said he supported the city's plans for the future.

"Today is a new beginning," Connolly said. "The residents reviewed the city's mission, checked the compass to mark our course. Some of you wanted to change our heading. Some wanted to change our direction. Some even wanted to change our old mission."

He called the last few months in Bayonne, very serious months, and Democracy in action.

"The election is over. It accomplished what it was supposed to accomplish," he said. "And it was done Democratically and with freedom of choice. I believe our city is headed in the right direction. The mission is right, the plan is right, and the course is adjusted accordingly."

Halecky gave testimony to accomplishments of the city.

"It is a truly humbling experience to participate in my fifth inauguration," Halecky said. "I always thought that the city of Bayonne should have all the things other cities have and perhaps a little more: a safe community, good shopping, education, good transportation, good, good recreation, good senior services and increase development."

Sixteen years ago, when he was sworn for the first time, many of the things Bayonne has now didn't exist. Four years ago he ran for reelection because many things still needed to be completed, and that he ran this time for the same reason, and hinted he might run again four years from now if things still need to be done.

More than a little overwhelmed by his first inauguration ceremony, LaPelusa said that the democratic process that selected the mayor and council was "both fair and just" and said that over the last few years he had learned a lot by watching the actions of the city council and mayor.

"I still have a lot to learn as I go along," he said. "As councilman, I need to be the pulse of the third ward. I will know what is going on in our neighborhoods and will assist as needed."

Doria honored each of the new council claiming that while he did not always agree with Chiappone, he acknowledged Chiappone's ability to work hard for the city. Doria said Halecky, who along with Lo Re, being their fifth terms as council members, was a force of stability on the council. Doria also pointed out that LaPelusa had learned the issues by attending meetings. Doria congratulated all, and called them all his colleagues.

"Because they are my colleagues and we're going to work together for the city," Doria said.