‘We don’t have time to waste’ | John Whitmire sworn in as 63rd Houston mayor on New Year’s Day

HOUSTON — With his hand on his mother’s Bibles held by his daughters, John Whitmire was sworn in as Houston’s 63rd mayor moments after midnight on Jan. 1, marking the start of a new era at City Hall. “I just see this as a continuation of my public service and a calling,” Whitmire said in remarks following taking the oath of office.

The 74 year old held the private ceremony with family and friends in attendance. The event was the culmination of a decades long career in politics. Whitmire was first elected to the state legislature in 1983 and now enters a new chapter as the leader of the country’s fourth largest city. As his first act as mayor, Whitmire joined Houston Police Chief Troy Finner on a ride along, highlighting what he said is a top priority in his administration and a primary concern for constituents.

“I want [constituents] to know that I take public safety very seriously,” Whitmire told reporters. “We don’t have time to waste.” Let’s get to work! pic.twitter.com/BuSu7MIOPF Finner echoed that sentiment and expressed the importance of the act by Whitmire for the rest of the department.

“Not so much for me, it's for the troops and [Whitmire] said that, he was clear on that,” Finner said. “But the message to our public: public safety is number one.” An official inauguration will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 2. morning. Following that event, Whitmire will be meeting with constituents at City Hall where he can greet them and they can express their concerns directly to the new mayor.

In the evening, Whitmire will hold a first responders appreciation event at the George R. Brown Convention Center..