BALTIMORE — Brandon M. Scott was sworn in as the 52nd Mayor of Baltimore City Tuesday.
Due to health regulations, the 36-year-old took the oath of office in a small ceremony broadcast virtually. The swearing-in ceremony was followed by passionate remarks on plans to move the city forward.
Among the challenges, are the continued COVID-19 pandemic and gun violence.
"I am humbled by the task before us," Scott said. "I have hope, but I am not naive to the challenges we face."
Scott enters the mayor's office fresh off his brief term as City Council president, a role he filled when former Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young succeeded Catherine Pugh after she resigned as mayor amid federal charges stemming from a public scandal.
The Park Heights native said the primary goal of his administration will be to improve public safety and reduce the city's homicide rate.
"Gone are the days where we were attempting to simply police our way out of our problems," said Scott. "That strategy does not work. It has it has not worked. It will not work. I am moving us from a one-size-fits-all strategy to an all hands on deck approach."
Scott called on the heads of all city agencies to use the resources available to reduce murder and improve public safety.
The mayor noted the changes must be made while also supporting the Baltimore City Police Department's federal consent decree.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues throughout the nation, impacting parts of Baltimore City, Scott asked all residents to be safe and wear face masks. He also said he would work to make sure testing and vaccines are available to everybody. Scott also said he wouldn't be afraid to tighten restrictions if need be.
"Our decisions will not always be easy and often will feel harsh, but they will always be guided by the advice of public health officials," he said.
Another taking point included the focus on "foundational work."
Scott closed his remarks with a call to unify adding, "As your mayor I am unafraid to do the right thing over the popular one, even if it hurts me politically, because this term is about doing what is required to chart a new path, save lives and prepare Baltimore for a prosperous and equitable future."
