By Tricia Hall
Sojourner’s Truth Reporter
Dozens of elected and appointed officials, government employees, community leaders and residents filled the lobby of One Government Center on January 3for the mayor’s second inauguration.
Local entrepreneur Will Lucas served as the event’s master of ceremonies, immediately followed by a spirited opening prayer delivered by north Toledo Pastor Perry Harris III.
“Welcome to the second inaugural of our mayor, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz. This isn’t the inauguration that was planned, but what we have for now,” shared Lucas.
The national anthem was sung by Nikki D and the Browns, a group comprised of four singers Nicolle Brown, Gloria Brown, Belinda Brown and Tomika Webb. The ceremony continued with the reading of an original poem entitled ‘To Work,’ created by University of Toledo professor Joey Kim, PhD.
Judge Michelle Wagner, who has served as a Toledo Municipal Court judge since 2002 conducted the swearing in ceremony before Mayor Kapszukiewicz delivered his remarks.
“Even in light of recent events or national politics, people in Toledo haven’t given up on local government. There isn’t a democratic or republican way to shovel snow, we make common sense decisions on the local level. I want to thank the citizens of Toledo, who have given me a great honor,” explained the mayor.
Immediately following the ceremony, Toledo City Council member took their oath of office in council chambers.
“This is a special day, not just for the mayor but all of us. The mayor fostered in new ideas four years ago, he wanted to make things happen and not just bureaucracy. The mayor appreciates dreams and sits people in positions to get those dreams done. It says a lot to have a city administration that makes the risks that entrepreneurs take bearable,” explained Lucas.
