After eight years, the people of New Orleans have some new terminology to get used to – “Mayor Moreno.” Helena Moreno was sworn in this morning as the 63rd mayor of the City of New Orleans. In her inaugural address, Mayor Moreno says today represents not only a new beginning, but also a new direction.
“I’m going to lead the City of New Orleans with the confidence of faith, the commitment of hope, and the deep love for our beautiful city,” Moreno said.
The one theme that Moreno kept going back to in her roughly 13-minute speech was that she’s “all in” for New Orleans. The former TV news anchor, state legislator and city councilwoman said she knows that she has a very tall task ahead of her.
“We know that things are not exactly where we want them to be today, and we know that it’s not going to be easy to fix these things. But just because things are hard, does not mean that they’re impossible,” Moreno said.
Moreno said this is a turning point; and that in these challenging times, failure is not an option. She asked everyone to come together to lead New Orleans into a new chapter.
“Together, we will build the city our children deserve. The city that you have earned. And together, we can move in a new direction for our future,” Moreno stated.
Moreno was sworn in by former Vice President Kamala Harris, who said she first crossed paths with Moreno many years ago.
“From the very beginning, what stood out was not only that she is talented, but she is tough,” Harris said.
Harris says Moreno is a dedicated public servant who believes in the dignity of working families.
“She believes in fairness. And in the simple, yet fundamental principle that elected leaders must be accountable to the people they serve,” Harris explained.
Harris says Moreno is up for the challenge of serving as New Orleans’ 63rd mayor.
“Whether it’s her work in wards across the city and City Hall, or the state capitol. Through moments of challenge, and moments of change, it is clear: Helena Moreno will never stop fighting for the people of New Orleans,” Harris said.