Brian Bigger officially sworn in as mayor of Greater Sudbury
There is officially a new name on the door of the mayor's office in Sudbury.
Brian Bigger and 12 city councillors were sworn in during an inauguration ceremony on Tuesday night.
There was all the ceremony that normally comes with a swearing-in of a new mayor.
But, when it came to the speech, it was a bit of a re-run from the election campaign.
Brian Bigger reiterated his promise to freeze taxes next year, while investing in new infrastructure, protecting the city's lakes and making sure that his mantra of "transparency and accountability" is applied to everything the city does.
“They're going to take hard work and dedication. We need to maintain a clear focus and a clear vision for our future."
But he also spoke more directly to the citizens of Greater Sudbury.
"I am inspired every day by the people of our city. By your hopes, your dreams and your determination. I am listening, and I will keep on listening, and we will move Greater Sudbury forward together."
It was also inauguration night for those 12 city councillors, most of whom are political rookies.
The one that drew the most attention was the new councillor for Hanmer, Rene Lapierre, who hobbled into the council chambers on crutches following a hip operation.
He said learning the ins and outs of being a councillor in the weeks since the election has been daunting.
"The overwhelming part has kind of simmered down a little."
Next week, he and the rest of council will get to work with their first meeting — when they'll discuss a topic that has dogged Sudbury politicians for generations: when stores are allowed to open and close.