By NY1 News and COLlive
Almost 13 hours after his third term officially began at midnight, Mayor Michael Bloomberg was sworn in as the city’s first Independent mayor at a toned-down inaugural ceremony at City Hall Friday.
The mayor’s brief speech, delivered in above-freezing temperatures before several thousand people, struck a conciliatory tone as he launched on a third term that was made possible by the temporary revoking of term limits in 2008.
Starting in about a week, every first deputy commissioner will temporarily become a deputy at another agency.
“This is not a game of musical chairs. This is a management challenge, and a unique opportunity for collaboration and innovation,” said the mayor.
“This is also a test for you, and a chance to demonstrate your skills and abilities. And as I tell everyone I hire: don’t screw it up.”
He also pledged to prevent crime, aid small businesses, stir local volunteerism and equally serve all the city’s residents.
The Bloomberg family Bible, which made its third inaugural appearance Friday, was held by the mayor’s two grown daughters. The mayor’s mother Charlotte, who turns 101 on Saturday, was unable to attend the ceremony but is not in ill health.
Bloomberg is now the city’s first three-term mayor since former Mayor Ed Koch, who attended the ceremony with his successor, David Dinkins.
Chanina Sperlin and Eli Cohen of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council were on hand. Chairman of National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education (NCFJE) Rabbi Shea Hecht and Eli Slavin were seen too.
Notable absences at the inauguration included Governor David Paterson, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Senator Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.
Unlike Bloomberg’s two previous inaugurations, Friday’s ceremony was shorter and simpler.
Student music groups and unknown musicians have replaced the celebrity acts.
Firefighter Frank Pizarro sang a spirited rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and Sean Grissom, a Juilliard-trained Cajun cellist who performs in the subway, performed an instrumental version of “America The Beautiful.”
City Comptroller John Liu, the first Asian-American to be elected to a citywide office, and Public Advocate Bill de Blasio held Inauguration Day parties.
COLlive Election Coverage:
+ Bloomberg Wins Third Term
+ Mike Blares Jewish Music
+ Thompson Ignores Radio Slur
+ C.H. Group Backs Bloomberg
+ Mike Bloomberg and Co.
+ Bloomberg, Thompson Visit Crown Heights
+ Thompson at NCFJE Breakfast
+ Thompson Visits Crown Heights
+ Mayor Goes for Kosher Pizza
+ Bloomberg Seeks Yiddish Jews
+ Poll: Bloomberg Go Home
+ Mayor Hosts Heritage Cocktail
+ Bloomberg: I’m Sharpton’s Fan
+ Bloomberg Launches Campaign
+ Thompson Running for Mayor
+ What’s Arabic for ‘Mayor’?
Rabbis Sperlin and Hecht, it is heart warming to see people who may not agree on all issues coming together
Yes, there will be אי”ה new elections for a “third active Rov”, in the next six months.
And yes, there will be אי”ה new elections for the Vaad Hakohol, when their term will end, in two and a half years.
As for me, אני הקטן
I thank you for your kind words and trust;
However, to quote the great President Lyndon B. Johnson,
“Accordingly, I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your President”.
(March 31, 1968).
Respectfully yours,
Eli Slavin
@ the end of the day wat can all the conections do 4 our safety, right b/4 the end off shabbos on albany av, 2 blk thugs started to 2 do ther thing , like roughing up our people , 4 $, we dont need cops on kingston , we need them on the other blocks were u dont hav a lot of jewish paserbyers,, in till it dont happen to the big knakers, noting will be done
If there are new elections for the vaad I want you to run!!!!!!!!!