Williams takes oath as city's 47th mayor

Religious leaders hailed Williams' election as a new beginning at a morning service.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR STAFF Writer
YOUNGSTOWN -- After being sworn in as the city's first black mayor, Jay Williams told those attending the ceremony that it wasn't him who was making history, but the people who voted for him.
Saturday's chilly weather didn't deter the roughly 200 people who attended the festivities on downtown's Central Square. Judge Robert E. Douglas of Youngstown Municipal Court administered the oath for Williams, whose term officially begins today.
In his brief remarks, the 47th mayor, the first independent candidate elected to the office in about 80 years, said residents must be committed to working together for the city to realize its promise.
To other black candidates who ran unsuccessfully for the office before him, Williams said, "I was able to stand on a platform which you struggled to build."
The swearing-in ceremony followed an inaugural ecumenical service at First Presbyterian Church, Wick Avenue, with speakers from a variety of churches and faiths, who referred to Williams' election as a new beginning.
Rabbi Franklin Muller of Congregation Rodef Sholom compared the Williams administration to a menorah.
"A candle is a small thing, but one candle can light another and another and another without diminishing itself," the rabbi said.
He presented Williams with a menorah as a "reminder to always be a beacon of light to those you serve."
The Rev. Lonnie Simon Sr. of New Bethel Baptist Church said he doesn't believe politics has anything to do with whether someone is a Democrat or a Republican.
"A person who is concerned with good government cannot be a party loyalist," the Rev. Mr. Simon said.
Williams' election came about not through either major political party, Mr. Simon said, but from people from both parties who worked together.
"Jay Williams was elected by the people," Mr. Simon said. "He was anointed, sent and chosen by God."
Call for unity
Williams soundly defeated Democrat state Sen. Robert Hagan, a longtime Valley political name, in the November general election.
Bishop Norman L. Wagner of Calvary Ministries International called for unity from the city through Williams' term. According to the Bible, Abraham is the father of Muslims, Jews and Christians, he said.
"God is not calling for sameness," he said. "God is calling for unity and unity is the uniting of differences. Just don't believe that your difference makes you better."
Williams, in his address after taking the oath of office, noted that he may not always make good decisions but that they'll be decisions made with his best intentions.
"I will be open to compromise on issues, but I won't be open to compromise on my principles," he said.
Williams is expected to announce members of his Cabinet at a press conference Wednesday at city hall.
denise_dick@vindy.com