New era as Martin Walsh sworn in as Boston mayor

A new political era began as Martin Walsh was sworn in as the new mayor of Boston, succeeding the city’s longest-serving chief Thomas Menino, who retired after more than two decades in office.

‘‘I will listen. I will learn. I will lead,’’ Walsh — whose parents hail from Connemara, Co Galway — said at his swearing-in ceremony at Boston College.

The former Democratic state representative and onetime labour leader called Boston a city of courage, of champions, and of big dreams, noting that he was once just a child from the city’s Dorchester area and joking that even his mother would be surprised at how far he had come.

It is now official, Marty Walsh is Mayor of Boston. #bosmayor pic.twitter.com/Q7Lu3Y48A5

— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) January 6, 2014

Walsh, 46, outlined a series of broad policy goals, including improving public safety and ending ‘‘senseless gun violence”.

While noting that the 40 homicides in Boston last year were fewer than the year before, Walsh said the number was still too high.

‘‘No parent should worry that a bullet will stop a daughter or son from coming home,’’ he said.

‘‘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.’’

As one of his first acts as mayor, Walsh planned to convene a closed public safety meeting that included police and mothers of victims of violent crime.

He also said he would work to strengthen the economy and create jobs, improve the city’s schools and increase transparency at City Hall, including new conflict-of-interest and personal financial disclosure rules for city officials.

Together, we can create ONE Boston ... one Boston, a hub of opportunity, community, and equality for all. #bosmayor

— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) January 6, 2014

My priorities are clear: Strengthening our economy, creating jobs, improving public safety, stopping senseless gun violence #bosmayor

— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) January 6, 2014

and ensuring our schools help every child to succeed #bosmayor

— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) January 6, 2014

Walsh thanked Menino, who first took office in 1993, saying his ‘legacy is already legend and his vision is all around us’.

I am grateful for the lifetime of outstanding civic leadership by my predecessor, Boston’s longest‐serving Mayor Tom Menino #bosmayor

— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) January 6, 2014

In his final morning as mayor, Menino visited City Hall before leaving for a holiday. Menino, 71, who has battled health problems in recent years, opted against seeking an unprecedented sixth full term as mayor. He plans to teach at Boston University.