SACO — Don Pilon has begun his term as mayor.

Pilon was inaugurated Monday night at Saco Museum. In a gallery decorated with Christmas trees, Pilon addressed the crowd that packed the room.

He said he was humbled by the appointment, and thanked his wife and everyone who supported him throughout the campaign.

Pilon said he would work hard for the citizens of Saco.

“I will do my best to look for ways to improve the community,” he said.

He said he is meeting with Unitil next week to discuss the possibility to expand natural gas, a proposal that would help enhance the commercial tax base. Pilon said he and Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant will meet once a month with city department heads to find ways to share resources and reduce expenses.

Pilon said he will discuss with city councilors a tax deferral program for the elderly, as he wants to “make sure we do not tax seniors out of their homes.”

Pilon said there was a stack of applications in the room for people to fill out if they were interested in being on a committee, and he urged people to volunteer their time.

“I know there’s somebody in this room who is just itching to be on a committee,” he said. “Help us make Saco a better community.”

Pilon is replacing Mark Johnston, who decided not to run for re-election this year. Johnston, over the years, has served one term on the city council, seven terms as mayor, and has served on the planning and zoning boards.

During the inauguration ceremony, Pilon presented Johnston with a plaque, thanking him for his years of service to the city.

“You truly have gone above and beyond the call, serving the City of Saco, and that is honorable,” Pilon said to Johnston.

Prior to Pilon’s address, Johnston spoke of his past two years of service. He said there were some successes and some failures. He noted the failure to find a solution for the Stackpole Creek Bridge on Simpson Road, and said he hoped the new council and mayor can find a solution to this and other issues.

Johnston’s speech was uncharacteristically brief, deferring to members of the city council who were leaving office.

Departing Councilor David Tripp, who lost his bid for mayor to Pilon, quoted Gen. Douglas MacArthur, “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.” Tripp said he would continue to be involved with the city, and said, “Well, this old soldier, isn’t just going to fade away. I’m going to keep the new soldiers on their toes.”

Tripp said the new council and school board have a “heavy, heavy burden” to deal with in the near future, as the city transitions from being part of a Regional School Unit to the new Saco Municipal School Administrative Unit. He said people have spoken “loud and clear” that they want a reduction in the school budget, and he hopes the new school board can deliver that.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.