Martin J. Walsh was sworn in as Boston’s 48th mayor in an inaugural ceremony at Boston College’s Conte Forum Monday.
In his inaugural speech, Walsh spoke frequently of future prosperity for all Bostonians.
“Together, we are committing to do all we can for the city we love,” he said. “Together, we can move our great city forward … We are in this together, every man, woman and child. For our seniors and our students, for rich and poor and everyone in between.
“We will expand opportunity so it reaches every person in every corner of our city,” he said. “We cannot tolerate a city divided by privilege and poverty. We will protect and grow our sense of community. For it is Boston’s greatest source of strength. And we will ensure equality for all, no matter your age, race, religion, sexual orientation. Together, we can create one Boston … a hub of opportunity, community and equality for all.”
Walsh’s campaign for mayor focused on the issues of improving schools, spurring economic development, creating business and decreasing crime throughout the city. Throughout his campaign, he emphasized tasks such as creating more jobs and strengthening the economy, decreasing gun violence and increasing the transparency of the city government and its communication with the residents of Boston.
In his speech, he listed the specific actions that would lead to accomplishing these goals, beginning on “Day One.”
“On Day One, today, I will convene a meeting to begin to address senseless violence that scars our city,” he said. “Tomorrow, I will begin conversations with our school committee to launch a nationwide search for the next Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools. In February, we will begin a new survey by the Boston Housing Authority, to understand the needs of seniors and the disabled living in city housing.”
These are only a few of the many specifics he detailed. Walsh has formed many committees to help give individual attention to all the aspects of life in Boston. His School Committee will include Dr. Hardin L.K. Coleman, dean of Boston University’s School of Education.
Walsh said in his speech that he will listen to and learn from the people of Boston in his time in office.
“I will listen. I will learn. I will lead,” he said. “… Together we have much to do. And a lot of hard work ahead … I am inspired every day by the people of our city — by your hopes, by your dreams, by your determination. We will move Boston forward together.”