A New Era: Boston swears in first new mayor in two decades

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The City of Boston welcomed a new mayor for the first time in nearly two decades Monday.

Former State Rep. Marty Walsh was sworn in at Conte Forum on the campus of his alma mater, Boston College. The event included remarks from Gov. Deval Patrick and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

"My advice to you, if I may, is to hold onto why you wanted this job in the first place and to whom it matters most," said Gov. Patrick. "The people who look to you to make a neighborhood safe and livable and affordable, to help a small business get up and going to the schools work. The people who look to you for reason to hope counting on you to see their second chances just as you have lived your very own, not the powerful people only, but also the powerless, the strivers and seekers who make this good city great."

The mayor was sworn in by Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Roderick Ireland.

Other notable attendees included Walsh's opponent in the mayoral race, John Connolly, as well as Congressmen Stephen Lynch and Michael Capuano, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, and U.S. Sen. Ed Markey.

The Dorchester native said the work begins now, as he outlined some of his plans for the city. Mayor Walsh plans to hold a public safety meeting Monday afternoon that will be attended by law enforcement and victims of violent crime.

"No parent should worry that a bullet will stop a daughter or son from coming home. No woman should be scared on our streets. No senior should be afraid in their home. And no child should be forced to live with the trauma and the indelible scars of violence," said the mayor.

Among Walsh's other goals are plans to strengthen the economy and improve the city's schools.

"We cannot tolerate a city divided by privilege and poverty. We will protect and grow our sense of community, for it's Boston's greatest source of strength and we will ensure equality for all no matter your age, race, religion, sexual orientation, no matter what," said Walsh.

Walsh thanked the families of all past Boston mayors who attended his inauguration. He also thanked outgoing Mayor Tom Menino, by saying he is already a legend and his "vision is all around us."

Walsh was expected to enter City Hall for the first time as mayor following his inauguration. He will arrive to find a note and a set of keys left by outgoing Mayor Thomas Menino, who did not attend the inauguration. The longtime mayor would not say what he wrote to the mayor-elect, but tweeted his farewell to the city just after 10 a.m. Monday.

"Thank you Boston," said Mayor Menino. "It has been an honor and the thrill of a lifetime to be your Mayor. Be as good to each other as you have been to me."

Menino's wife and son represented the family at the inauguration.

Walsh's celebration will continue with a gala Monday night at the Hynes Convention Center.

Over the weekend, Walsh made several stops around the community to meet with senior citizens and religious leaders. He also made several announcements, naming Huffington Post General Manager Daniel Arrigg Koh as his Chief of Staff and former mayoral candidate and City Councilor-At-Large Felix Arroyo as the Chief of Health and Human Services. He plans to make several more cabinet announcements later this week.

Cox Media Group