'We're In This Together' | Baltimore Mayor Jack Young Sworn In
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Baltimore Mayor Bernard "Jack" Young was officially sworn into office Thursday.
The ceremony comes a week after Catherine Pugh resigned amid corruption investigations.
Young was automatically made mayor when Pugh resigned, however, he chose to have a public ceremony in order to bring Baltimore together.
"There is a spirit among the people of Baltimore, that no matter how bad things might be, no matter how dark it may look, how deep the pain may cut - that they find a way to get up every day and have the hope and belief that God will change things," Fmr. Rep. Kweisi Mfume said at Young's ceremony.
Gov, Larry Hogan, Maryland Rep. Elijah Cumming, State Del. Adrienne Jones, Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin and others spoke at Young's swearing-in ceremony.
At his swearing in, State and Federal leaders pubically pledged resources to Baltimore City.
"Together, we must all rededicate ourselves to addressing the violent crime crisis," Gov. Hogan said.
Young began leading the city April 1, when Pugh took a leave from her role as mayor due to what her lawyer described as poor health following a bout of pneumonia.
The Democrat and longtime City Council member is mayor for the remainder of Pugh's term but has said he will seek reelection next year to the job of council president. He broke down Thursday when thanking his fellow councilmembers.
"I've enjoyed working alongside you for many years," Young said.
Young grew up in East Baltimore.
"For the people who don't know me, my name is Jack," Young said.
Pugh is facing investigations into whether she arranged bulk sales of her self-published children's books to disguise hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks.
