City of Rochester
News Release
(Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014) – Lovely A. Warren was sworn-in as Rochester’s Mayor early Wednesday morning in a private ceremony at the University of Rochester Medical Center beside her grandfather and role model, Cecil McClary, Sr.
“Today, I begin the most important journey of my life with obvious sadness tempered by profound feelings of blessed gratitude and humility,” Mayor Warren said. “It is a bittersweet occasion, to say the least. But I am also thankful that as I look ahead to the challenges before my administration and me, I have been given this reminder that God is indeed very, very good. I believe this is my grandfather’s final lesson.”
Mr. McClary, who helped raise Mayor Warren and played a formative role in her decision to enter a life of public service, suffered a stroke Christmas Eve and is in palliative care. The ceremony was held at 12:01 a.m. in Mr. McClary’s hospital room. Mr. McClary held the Bible on which Mayor Warren rested her hand while Rochester City Court Judge Stephen T. Miller administered the oath of office
Mayor Warren said it was vitally important that her grandfather be with her at the first moments of her Mayoral term. She thanked her many supporters who prayed that he could participate in the inauguration. She also thanked the URMC staff for the excellent care they have provided her grandfather.
A public inauguration ceremony is scheduled for noon Saturday, Jan. 4 at the Auditorium Theatre, 885 E. Main St. Doors will open at 11 a.m. and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mayor Warren is Rochester’s fifth elected mayor under the strong mayor form of government.
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News Media: For more information, contact Communications Director Christine Christopher at 428-7405.