Despite taking the reins to the City of Stamford Sunday morning at 12:01 a.m. with a swearing-in conducted by Governor Dannel P. Malloy, David Martin had a more formal welcoming ceremony hosted Monday afternoon in the lobby of the Stamford Government Center.
Stamford's newest mayor was sworn in by his own father, Judge Gene Martin, using his childhood bible before a packed house Monday. It was a family affair all around, with daughter Rachel reading the Pledge of Allegiance and daughter Sarah singing the Star Spangled Banner.
"Let me start by thanking the Stamford voters for the privilege of standing before you, here today, as the city's 31st mayor," Martin said. "This is, without question, the greatest honor that I have ever received in 30 years of public service."
Martin said it didn't matter what the background was of any resident, it was a fresh, new start for everyone in the city.
"Whether you're a Democrat, Republican or Unaffiliated; Whether you live in North Stamford, Glenbrook, the Cove or the West Side; Whether you're African American, Asian, Italian, or Latino; And whether you're fifth generation or whether you've just moved here; This is a new 'Day One,' and I'm ready to join with you to move our city forward," he said.
The West Hill High School Jazz Ensemble and Junior ROTC Color Guard and Stamford High School Madrigal Singers also participated in the event Monday, performing duties or musical selections as entertainment during the induction.
To wrap things up, Martin, for the second time officially being handed the keys to the city, used his new powers to swear in the newest elected members of the Board of Finance, Board of Education and Board of Representatives.
"Our obligation, first and foremost, is to make the decisions that will shape our future," Martin said. "So let us leave this room here today resolute in our determination to build a better Stamford."
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