Bill de Blasio was sworn into office by former President Bill Clinton in front of City Hall on Wednesday afternoon.
City and state leaders, as well as celebrities and New Yorkers who secured tickets through a rare giveaway, gathered in front of City Hall to witness the ceremonial swearing-in of de Blasio, New York City’s 109th mayor.
The inauguration was unlike the ceremonies for previous mayors. De Blasio promised an unprecedented amount of access to the event for regular New Yorkers. He set aside 1,000 tickets for the general public. After the ceremony, de Blasio and his wife planned to greet those who attended the ceremony inside City Hall.
Former President Bill Clinton read de Blasio the oath of office at about 1 p.m.
Earlier, Harry Belafonte, legendary artist and activist, started off the ceremony with introductory remarks.
“Bill de Blasio gives New York another opportunity to open the door of possibilities. We, new Yorkers, must not let him fail. Thank you, New York, we’ve got a lot of work to do, so let’s get busy,” said Belafonte.
De Blasio and his family arrived at City Hall shortly before noon on the No. 4 subway train.
Scott Stringer was inaugurated as comptroller and Letitia James as public advocate.
“I believe that pursuing a progress agenda and being fiscally responsible is not mutually exclusive,” Stringer said. “As the city’s chief fiscal officer it is my duty and my promise that I will do everything in my power to maintain our fiscal health.”
“Today we celebrate and get to work to fulfill the promises we made to New Yorkers,” James said. “I am more determined than ever to roll up my sleeves.”
James was joined on stage by Dasani, a homeless girl who was profiled recently by The New York Times.
Earlier on Wednesday, de Blasio was officially sworn in as mayor outside his Park Slope home minutes after the clock stuck midnight.
After being sworn in, de Blasio signed the City Clerk’s book and paid his $ 9 filing fee to register for his new office.
State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman administered the oath of office outside de Blasio’s home shortly after the calendar turned to 2014.
NY1’s political team will have a recap of today’s events during a special edition of “Inside City Hall” at 7 and 10 p.m.
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