By VINAYA SAKSENA

CUMBERLAND — When the new Town Council was sworn in by Sen. Jack Reed Monday night, only one of its former members had been replaced -- one whose absence will be keenly felt, according to his former colleagues.

he 2009 council features just one new member, District 2 Councilman E. Craig Dwyer, a Barway Lane resident who replaces Jeffrey Mutter. At the council’s last meeting on Nov. 5, Mutter, who also served as chairman of the council’s Finance Subcommittee, was commended heartily by his colleagues, and was given the honor of adjourning his last session as a member.
On Monday, Mayor Daniel McKee noted the value of Mutter’s financial expertise, saying that this contribution would be particularly missed. Council President James Higgins, who has known Mutter since childhood, made note of both his skills as a basketball player early on, and his positive influence throughout their lives.
“He had a hell of a jump shot,” Higgins remembered. “Councilor Mutter was a very important part of my becoming involved in public service.”
Councilman Bruce Lemois praised Mutter for offering an informed opinion on a range of municipal subjects. Lemois also cited Mutter for exemplifying the value of teaching a man to fish, rather than simply giving him a fish, noting that Mutter also knew when not to tell his colleagues exactly what he would do in a given situation.
“Jeff has the ability not to answer a question in time,” Lemois said. “But he leaves you with some kind of information to help you along with the process.”
Councilwoman Kelley Morris commended Mutter for being “open-minded,” even when the two of them had not been in complete agreement. Toward the end of his last meeting, she passed him an envelope containing what she said was a parting gift from the council.
“Boys don’t get flowers, so we had to think of something else,” Morris said.
“Jeff likes flowers,” Higgins jokingly replied.
Following oaths of office, both the council and its License Subcommittee were reorganized. Higgins will again serve as council president, with Morris to occupy the top slot in Higgins’ absence. Lemois will chair the License Subcommittee; Councilwoman Mia Ackerman was chosen subcommittee vice-chair.