It was a full house at Saco City Council Chambers on Monday night as community members gathered for the inauguration of Mayor Jodi MacPhail as well as newly elected city councilors and school board members.

Outgoing Mayor William “Bill” Doyle, admitting he was no Barry Manilow, sang a bar from “Looks Like We Made It.”

“I had the immense privilege and honor to serve our great city for the past eight years,” said Doyle, who served on the City Council before becoming mayor.

He said the state of the city was strong, noting fiscal responsibility, better bonding rates and solid growth, as well infrastructure improvements that were underway including the wastewater treatment plant and the Exit 36 expansion.

Doyle said Saco’s schools are one of the reasons why people move to the city, and he urged residents to stay involved in the process of the building of two new proposed schools, by keeping informed and attending meetings.

“Although this is farewell, it’s not goodbye forever,” said Doyle. “The old adage says, the goal is to leave it better than you found it…….mission accomplished.”

Both Doyle and Incoming Mayor MacPhail thanked city staff, fellow Councilors, committee and board members and community volunteers.

“I want to remind everyone, that this is a government of the people, by the people and for the people,” said MacPhail, quoting Abraham Lincoln.

She said as a councilor, she always took the time to listen to constituents, who elected her to represent them, and will do the same as mayor.

“Their voice matters, and it should be heard,” she said.

MacPhail is Saco’s first female mayor. Prior to becoming mayor, she served as the Ward 6 City Councilor since 2019. She also served as Deputy Mayor, and Monday night Councilor Marshall Archer, who was not in attendance, was appointed the new Deputy Mayor.

“They say it takes a village, and we are in one of those times where we will all need to work together and move Saco forward to create the city that we all can be proud of,” said MacPhail.      

One of MacPhail’s campaign promises was to maintain open communication with the community. She recently launched a Facebook page where she will share updates and information, and plans to have office hours in City Hall.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at [email protected].