Mayor Anne McCaffrey, center, is surrounded by family as she takes the oath of office Friday afternoon. Administering the oath is City Court Judge Bill Watson. (PHOTOS BY SCOTT LEFFLER / ENP STAFF)

By +Scott Leffler 
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

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Lockport Police and Fire department officials served as Honor Guard for the  afternoon ceremony.

Calling 2016 "a new chapter in our city's history," Anne McCaffrey was sworn in to her first full term of office as mayor, along with other newly elected officials and appointees during a special ceremony held at the Historic Palace Theatre Friday afternoon.

McCaffrey, one of only two incumbents re-elected in November, said the election's results meant city residents want change in city hall, but trusted her vision to "put our city back on track."

The Republican mayor, who must now work with a Common Council composed of three Democrats and three Republicans, as well as a Democrat treasurer, Sue Mawhiney, said she relishes the opportunity to work with the evenly split officials.

County legislators Keith McNall and Will Collins were also sworn in during the ceremony.

"I proudly accept this opportunity to work with all members of the Common Council and our new city treasurer to make our city stronger and to rebuild our city to attract more businesses and families back to our city," she said. "Lockport is like a big family. We are strong willed. We all believe we're right at first. We all have differences. But in the end, we stand together for the betterment and future success of our city. We all want the same thing. And that is what makes me excited and optimistic about working with this new team at city hall."

McCaffrey said steps have already been taken to right the city, noting a "new independent audit committee, non-partisan ethics reforms, and a new budget development process."

"The future is bright. And we've taken the steps to put us on the path to success," she continued.

City Treasurer Sue Mawhiney gives a brief speech during the ceremony.

Mawhiney said she looks forward "to tackling this new challenge," adding "Monday morning, I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work."

Fourth Ward Alderman David Wohleben was sworn in as Common Council president, a position McCaffrey once held herself. Wohleben thanked Fourth-Ward voters and congratulated his fellow aldermen on their elections.

RELATED LINKS: 

• Inauguration photo album
• Full inauguration video

Lockport Police Chief Mike Niethe is sworn in to office, surrounded by his family. Niethe takes over following the retirement of Larry Eggert.

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