PCC President Larry Fitzmorris talks with newly elected Town Council President Joe Robicheau.

Portsmouth Town Hall was standing room only tonight as the incoming Town Council and School Committee were sworn in, and the PCC bloc moved quickly to consolidate their electoral mandate, choosing Joe Robicheau as President and Judi Staven as the VP.

Town Clerk Kathy Viera Beaudoin — presiding until the new Council leadership was selected — called for nominations, and Staven quickly nominated Robicheau.

Mike Buddemeyer proposed top vote getter and fellow Democrat Jim Seveney, who declined, and in turn nominated Republican Keith Hamilton.

"It's a long Council tradition to name the highest vote getter among party that gets the majority, out of respect for the will of the voters," said Seveney. "In this case, the choice very clear, Keith Hamilton was highest vote getter, and the Republicans have the highest number, and that was the will of the people. If someone believes there is a more qualified choice, they should explain their rationale."

But without discussion, by a 4-3 vote, Robicheau, Staven, Liz Pedro, and Paul Kesson selected Robicheau. The same vote upheld Staven for the VP seat.

There was the usual pomp and ceremony of a swearing in, with the departing Council members each saying a few words. Dennis Canario thanked the voters of Portsmouth for the "privilege" of serving three terms, and said that he was proud of the work the Council had done, particularly the wind turbine, preserving open space, and adding to the fund balance, "all while supporting a high-performing education system under the direction of Superintendent Susan Lusi."

Jeff Plumb said the he had "a great time serving" and thanked everyone for their support. "I have no regrets," he said. "Certainly no regrets making the decision not to run again," he added with a laugh that the room joined.

And Tailgunner Gleason said it was an "honor and a pleasure" and said that she plans to "continue to advocate for the citizen's best interests." (Hmm...what could that possibly mean?) And as a grand parting gesture, she called PCC President Larry Fitzmorris up to the podium to "recognize his many years of committment" with a citation from the Town of Portsmouth.

Yes, you read that right. Un-freaking-believable. Ah, Tailgunner. I'm going to miss her.

Huck Little had a classy farewell. "It was 44 years ago when I first ran for the Town Council," he said, "And I've spent over half my life serving the Town of Portsmouth. I've served with four town clerks and two town administrators, six police chiefs, seven fire chiefs, and six public works directors. I have work hard, and they have worked hard to keep Portsmouth the number one community in this state."

Outgoing Council President Peter McIntyre said that Huck was a hard act to follow, and that it had been a pleasure to serve.

State Representative Jay Edwards (D-70) was on hand to present citations from the House to the departing Council members.

The whole thing was over by about 7:30.

Well, at least no one can be unclear about who's running this Council. I can't wait to see what happens with the School Committee.