Sheila Dixon officially took office as the first woman ever elected Baltimore mayor Tuesday, pledging to reduce crime, improve schools and end homelessness.
In her inaugural speech, Dixon reiterated her commitment to making the city cleaner and greener, while touting a slight drop in violent crime under her new police commissioner, Frederick Bealefeld.
“In the short time I have been mayor, we have taken major steps to put the gun business out of business,” Dixon said.
She also acknowledged her history-making role as the city?s first black female mayor during a ceremony at Morgan State University featuring gospel music, ballet dancers, and fire and police color guard in full regalia.
“It took a long time for a woman to prevail and earn the right to represent this city and its people ? too long,” she said. “But it won?t take me long to make the hard decisions and do the hard work necessary.”
Dixon?s predecessor, Gov. Martin O?Malley, former Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke, and U.S. Sens. Barbara Milkulski and Ben Cardin joined in the ceremony culminating in O?Malley?s administering the oath of office.
“I know the city will thrive under her leadership,” O?Malley said.
Dixon?s speech also includedsome surprises, including support for a proposed subway line between Woodlawn and Canton.
“During the next year, my administration will devote considerable time and energy to working with all the neighborhoods along the proposed route,” she said.
Dixon, who also promised plans to reduce the city?s property tax and make more money available for school renovations, showered her greatest praise on city residents.
“Ours is a city full of precious jewels,” the mayor said. “If we care for these jewels as we should, they will shine brighter every day, bringing joyous light to us all.”
