Service past, present and future was the theme Monday as Reading welcomed new and returning City Council members during its 2026 inauguration ceremony.
The ceremony, held at Reading Area Community College’s Schmidt Center, included the inaugurations of first-time Councilman Raymond E. Baker and one of the city’s longest-serving legislative leaders, Council President Donna Reed.
Baker, 32, replaces Wesley Butler, who did not seek reelection, as District 4 representative.
Returning District 1 representative Vanessa Campos and District 5 representative Dr. Rafael Nunez also were sworn in before an audience including local government officials, members of the Reading Police Department, city administrators, and friends and family of those inaugurated.
District 5 City Councilman Dr. Rafael Nunez is administered the oath of office by District Justice Alvin Robinson as Nunez’s son Schaell Rodriguez holds the Bible during an inauguration ceremony in the Schmidt Training and Technology Center at Reading Area Community College on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Campos, 38, and Nunez, 59, were both reelected after initially winning office in 2023 to complete unexpired terms.
Campos and Reed were sworn in by City Clerk Linda Kelleher. Baker took his oath before Berks County Judge Justin Bodor, while Nunez was sworn in by District Judge Alvin Robinson.
For Baker, 32, a Berks County assistant district attorney, the ceremony marked his first step into elected office and what he described as a responsibility he does not intend to waste.
“This is a privilege, and it’s a privilege I do not take lightly,” Baker said.
Speaking without prepared remarks, Baker said his priorities include rebuilding downtown, increasing housing opportunities and pushing Reading to compete with neighboring cities.
“I look at our sister cities like Allentown and Bethlehem, Phoenixville and Lancaster, and I know we should be there, too,” he said. “We can be there, and it is my duty and my obligation to get us there.”
While emphasizing collaboration with council and the administration, Baker also signaled an assertive approach, noting he plans to work in opposition to any who get in the way of his priorities.
District 4 City Councilman Raymond E. Baker is administered the oath of office by Berks County Judge Justin Bodor as Baker’s wife, Jennifer, holds the Bible during an inauguration ceremony in the Schmidt Training and Technology Center at Reading Area Community College on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
On the opposite end of the experience spectrum, Reed, 71, was sworn in for the ninth time as a member of City Council and begins a new four-year term as council president.
She was first elected in 2001 as the District 5 representative and has become one of the most recognizable figures in city government.
“This marks the ninth time I’ve taken the oath of office to serve on City Council and to serve, more importantly, the citizens of the city,” Reed said, opening her remarks with a reflection on the passage of time and the changes she has witnessed.
Reed highlighted major developments during her tenure, including the growth of arts, entertainment and higher education downtown. She also addressed unresolved issues faced by the city, such as blight, homelessness and fiscal pressures.
Reading City Council President Donna Reed is administered the oath of office by City Clerk Linda A. Kelleher as Reed’s husband, Tom Knause, and son Harry Knause hold the Bible during an inauguration ceremony in the Schmidt Training and Technology Center at Reading Area Community College on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
She also pointed to upcoming milestones, including Reading’s role in the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration and the phased reopening of the Pagoda’s interior later this year.
Reed urged closer coordination between council and the administration, stressing that disagreements should remain professional.
“When we differ on policy, it’s not personal,” Reed said, noting that debate is part of responsible governance.
Reading City Clerk Linda A. Kelleher administers the oath of office to District 1 City Councilwoman Vanessa Campos whose brother Jesus Polanco is holding the Bible during an inauguration ceremony in the Schmidt Training and Technology Center at Reading Area Community College on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
The ceremony, which opened with an invocation by the Rev. Bruce Osterhour of Christ Lutheran Church, also featured performances by the Reading Choral Society, which sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America,” and a welcoming address by Lucine Sihelnik, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance president and CEO.
Sihelnik, a former councilwoman, drew on her own experience, encouraging council members to lead with humility and collaboration.
“I wish for each of you the exact same lessons of courage, collegiality, selflessness and love that guided me,” Sihelnik said. “May these serve as your true north star, or in our case, our Pagoda, the brightest beacon of Reading.”