John Kennedy Sworn in as District 3 Councilmember

[Correction: This article originally stated Councilmember Steve Madison was present. This was an error and has been corrected below.— Editor]  In a reception and ceremony that spanned 3 hours and brought together a diverse crowd of over 250, District 3 City Councilmember John J. Kennedy was sworn into office by Congresswoman Judy Chu Sunday evening at Pasadena’s Central Library one block from City Hall.

Kennedy said his swearing in ceremony was the perfect opportunity to re-affirm his commitment to the District Three citizens he now represents as their City Councilman, as well as his commitment to the entire city of Pasadena.

“For what happens in one district, affects each district,” said Kennedy. ” We are one neighborhood, one community, one city.”

“The people are the eyes, ears, heart and soul of this community and its government,” he said. “They deserve transparent, responsive and compassionate government. We won’t always agree but together we bare witness that there is only one Pasadena – rich, middle class or poor – we are on the same journey.”

The event drew a diverse crowd from all walks of life, ages and ethnicities, with attendees including City Manager Michael Beck, Chief of Police Phillip Sanchez, City Attorney Michelle Bagneris and Fire Chief Calvin Wells.

Robin Salzer, a local businessman who ran for City Council in 2007, said he has attended swearing in ceremonies for 30 years but never seen “anything like” the Sunday night event.

Vice Mayor Jacque Robinson and City Council member Gene Masuda were also in attendance.

Campaign opponent Dr. Nicholas Benson attended, greeting Kennedy on the Central Library steps with a bear hug. Kennedy’s other opponent in the race, Ishmael Trone, did not appear.

Congresswoman Judy Chu conducted the swearing in ceremony that included book shelves festooned with fragrant floral displays, appetizers and wine, and a harpist.

“When I first met John I was so impressed by his commitment to public service and his devotion to making a difference,” Chu said. “John truly knows this city inside and out. I know John will do an outstanding job as City Council member.”

Kennedy said the more than 100-year-old Bible used in the ceremony was once held by his brother, retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Malcolm Kennedy — his parent’s (“two God-fearing Southerners”) third son of 10 children.

The program included a color guard by the United States Marine Corps, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca and prayer by the Rev. Dr. Mark K. Smutny, Senior Pastor, of the Pasadena Presbyterian Church.

The closing prayer as led by the Rev. Terry Turrentine, Senior Pastor of the Deliverance Tabernacle Church of God in Christ.

“I am grateful to the voters in District Three for the trust that they have placed with me,” Kennedy said. “I pledge all of my efforts to live up to that trust.”