LAWRENCE — When the history books are written, William Lantigua wants to be remembered as the best mayor Lawrence has ever had. And by the way, he "just happened to be Latino."
"I am very happy to be the first, but being the first is only a coincidence," said Lantigua, minutes after he was sworn in as the first elected Latino mayor in Massachusetts history.
"I was elected not because I am Latino but because I earned their trust and confidence," said Lantigua of the majority of city voters.
Starting first thing this morning, Lantigua promised to dig into the city's problems, looking into everything from a $17.5 million budget deficit to record home foreclosures and unemployment rates, School Department issues, crime, and streets and sidewalks that are "literally a mess."
He said the problems won't be solved overnight, but together, as a city eager for change, they can be fixed. City government is plagued with responsibility, accountability and credibility issues, he said.
"I have some good news my friends. Leadership is here. You are looking at him," said Lantigua, as the crowd burst into thunderous applause.
The new mayor asked for unity and help from the 1,400 people that packed the performing arts center at Lawrence High School. At least 200 more spilled into the school cafeteria where the inaugural celebration was shown on closed-circuit television. Lantigua succeeds Mayor Michael Sullivan, who served two four-year terms.
Originally elected in 2002, Lantigua also is a state representative. He plans to keep the legislative seat while serving as mayor.
He spoke last night of the city's large Latino population, estimated at 70 percent. He said that if 70 percent of the city is Latino, 70 percent of the city's trash is "our trash."
"And we need to clean it up," he said.
After reciting President John F. Kennedy's famous quote, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country," Lantigua issued a challenge to the city. He said it doesn't "matter how small or how large" but do something to improve Lawrence. Sweep in front of your home or business, shovel a sidewalk or help an elderly resident.
"We already came together. Now we want to move forward," Lantigua said.
Lantigua last night introduced his chief of staff, Lenny Degnan, a former city councilor, interim mayor in 1993 and owner of a local insurance company. He also told the crowd that Patrick Blanchette, a 10-year city councilor, will be his new chief economic development director.
He also said he'd soon be meeting with police Chief John Romero "to make sure the department has the tools to keep the city safe."
He'll be asking for sensitivity training for all police officers, which will first be done on a voluntary basis for the department. During contract negotiations next spring, Lantigua said he will ask that the training be mandatory.
Despite a previous announcement, Lantigua last night made no mention of the promotion of Sgt. Melix Bonilla to deputy police chief. The promotion of Bonilla, a campaign supporter, means current Deputy Chief Michael Driscoll will be demoted to captain.
Lantigua was officially sworn in as mayor by a tearful Isabel Melendez, a community activist, former mayoral hopeful and a longtime friend of Lantigua. Melendez refers to Lantigua as her "stepson." Last night was one of the proudest moments of her life, she said.
Lantigua's mother, Ana Elvira Soto, held the Bible, upon which Lantigua placed his right hand as he was taking the oath. Several of his children stood behind him. Once he was officially sworn in, Frank Sinatra's classic tune "My Way" was immediately piped through the performing arts center.
Breaking away from the song's lyrics, which read "I did it my way," a smiling Lantigua pointed at the crowd and yelled "Our Way!"
Lantigua thanked his longtime volunteers and supporters, Annette Webster, Tom Vallante, Teresa Polizotto and Jude Charles, who sat in the front rows near his mother. He also acknowledged David Abdoo, a city councilor who ran against him for mayor. Abdoo sat on stage with other dignitaries, including Gov. Deval Patrick, state Sen. Susan Tucker, U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas, sheriffs Frank Cousins and Guy Glodis and District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett.
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