Massachusetts City Has Inauguration For First Black Mayor

The city of Newton, Massachusetts has inaugurated the first black mayor to be elected in the state by a popular vote, reports WBZ.

Setti Warren, an Iraq war veteran and former aide to U.S. Sen. John Kerry, was installed Friday as Newton's first new chief executive in 12 years. He was voted into office in the affluent Boston suburb when he defeated state Rep. Ruth Balser.

Warren succeeds David Cohen, who chose not to seek re-election after three terms.

In his inauguration speech, Warren said Newton's true wealth was its character, and commended the passion and commitment of city residents.

He said that passion now needs to be directed toward addressing Newton's problems, including a budget crunch and overdue investments in roads and buildings.