December 21, 2011

Taunton Courthouse Officially Opened

On Friday, Chief Justice for Administration & Management Robert Mulligan welcomed Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, Senator Marc Pacheco, Representative Shaunna O’Connell, Supreme Judicial Court Justice Robert Cordy, Secretary of Administration and Finance Jay Gonzalez, Division of Capital Asset Management Commissioner Carole Cornelison and other community leaders to the new Taunton Trial Court for an official opening ceremony.

Speakers highlighted the collaborative effort on the $80 million construction project among the three branches of government and noted that it was concluded on time and $6 million below budget.  They also commended the work of local officials, the bar and community leaders over many years to gain the support needed to rebuild a courthouse in Taunton.  The new facility, which includes four court departments, opened to the public in July.

District Court First Justice Kevan Cunningham spoke on behalf of the court staff who had endured multiple moves and poor working conditions in the original courthouse which had been built in 1826.

The Trial Court Honor Guard began the ceremony and Miss Massachusetts Molly Whalen, formerly Miss Taunton, sang the national anthem.

Many court employees and community representatives attended the event held in a spacious District Court courtroom.  Taunton High School provided technical support to enable overflow viewing of the ceremony in another courtroom.

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