Mayor Sworn In: I Still Love This Job

In a crisp and festive ceremony, Mayor Richard A. Moccia was sworn in for a fourth term at City Hall on Tuesday morning. Flanked by his family, Moccia took the oath and then promised to dutifully serve Norwalk again in a job that he still very much cherishes.

"I'm humbled and honored," Moccia said in his speech. "The first day I drove up to this building I said, 'I can't believe I'm the mayor.' I drove up today for my fourth term and I am still in awe and honored to be the mayor."

Moccia, the 39th mayor of Norwalk and the only one other than Frank Esposito to win more than three terms, thanked his predecessors and acknowledged that he "learned a lot from them." He praised the fire and police departments and the people who put their lives on the line everyday, and made sure to reiterate the purpose of all elected officials.

"We are not here to serve ourselves," Moccia said. "But to serve the people. Those that serve the city first, serve their parties the best. I'd like that to pass that on to the people of Washington. Those that serve their country first, serve their parties the best."

Moccia praised Andy Garfunkel, whom he defeated in the election, saying they were proof that "you can build a better city without tearing each other down." He then reached out to Garfunkel, the two embracing in a respectful gesture.

Beginning his fourth term, Moccia has led a city that has mirrored many in the country that are dealing with unemployment, cutbacks, and a national recession. Two recent storms challenged the will, resolve, and patience of the city, and Moccia admitted his ride as mayor hasn't always been a smooth one.

"I've tried to do the best I could," he said before being interrupted by the cry of an infant that caused the audience to burst out in laughter. "There have been some tough times. But we have to move forward, talk about the future, focus on the positives."

Moccia praised the people of Norwalk and a city that he feels is "one of the best in the United States." He punctuated his five minute speech by enthusiastically stating, "I still love this job."