PITTSBURGH \u2014 Corey O\u2019Connor was officially sworn in as Pittsburgh\u2019s 62nd mayor on Monday, with his wife and two young children at his side. <\/p>\n
In his inauguration speech, O\u2019Connor thanked Mayor Ed Gainey, then laid out some of his priorities. Those include expediting the permitting process and providing shovel-ready sites for businesses to set up shop in Pittsburgh, to improving public safety. <\/p>\n
\u201cBecause public safety is not a statistic, it\u2019s a feeling, and I want every resident and visitor to feel safe in every community,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
The inauguration drew some big names. Among the speakers was Governor Josh Shapiro, who vowed the full support of the Commonwealth. <\/p>\n
\u201cNow the task falls to you mayor elect to pick up the baton and to run forward,\u201d Shapiro said. <\/p>\n
In a touching tribute, O\u2019Connor\u2019s brother, Father Terry, referenced their dad, the late mayor Bob O\u2019Connor, who passed away nine months into his first term. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou got a chance here to finish the job that daddy had started, but in your own wonderful and unique way,” he said. <\/p>\n
O\u2019Connor\u2019s day began early this morning, when he met with staff members at his office in City Hall.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs you can see, the talent that we put together in this room. They have new, fresh ideas about Pittsburgh, but they also have so much experience,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Later, during his inauguration speech, he acknowledged the financial difficulties facing the city and vowed to improve public safety, develop small businesses, fill potholes and clean up the city.” <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s time to become a city of hope and optimism where dreams come true,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
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