Mayor Jackson sworn in for historic term

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson takes the oath of office for his fourth term as the city's chief executive during a ceremony Tuesday in the Rotunda at City Hall. Jackson, who took office in 2006, begins his 13th year as mayor with his swearing in.

The turn of a brand new year began for Clevelanders at the Rotunda at City Hall with the inauguration of the longest tenured mayor in city history with Frank G. Jackson was sworn in for a remarkable fourth term.

Mayor Jackson began this year as he did the three others, with a declaration to go to work on behalf of the residents of Cleveland.

"Whether we become a great city will be decided by the condition of its people," Jackson said. "If we become a great city it will guarantee our successes ... and guarantee our future."

While many critics have always saw what was wrong with Cleveland, Jackson continued to be the eternal optimist, echoing his 2017 campaign theme that Cleveland is a better city than when he assumed office with severe challenges of citizens suffering from poverty, an escalating crime rate but he has steadfastly embraced those obstacles.

Jackson highlighted the development of strong schools, job-training programs to educate people and prepare a workforce, improved public safety in Cleveland's neighborhoods and economic development that creates jobs and wealth for residents.

He anticipates erasing the economic disparity in the city that has been a sore eye for decades, long before he decided to run for public office.

"We can do this. We will do this. But it will take all of us. It will take the entire community," Jackson said. "Everything we have done and everything we've been successful at, we've done as one Cleveland, one community. ... So, let's get to work. Let's get this done."

Surrounded by Blacks, Jackson was administered the oath of office by appellate Judge Patricia Blackmon in a ceremony in the Rotunda of City Hall. Surrounding him were members of his cabinet, City Council and other community leaders.

Blackmon credited the may with the ability to surround himself with people who challenge him to be a better person and a better leader.

"Good leadership depends on the team you have," Blackmon said. ""That's what he has done. ... Which is why he is now the longest serving mayor."

He campaigned on the pledge to be allowed to finish the work that that he had began and the city overwhelmingly agreed by honoring him with 60 percent of the vote to defeat Councilman Zack Reed.