Kim Janey Takes Over As Boston's Acting Mayor As Marty Walsh Heads To Washington
BOSTON (CBS) – Boston's new acting Mayor Kim Janey began her first historic day in office by going back to school.
Janey, a Roxbury resident, went to the Edwards Middle School in Charlestown Tuesday morning for a brief visit. She was a student there as a child. Then, it was on to City Hall where Janey will now take over the responsibility of leading Boston through the coronavirus pandemic.
She's taking over for Marty Walsh who resigned Monday night after he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the next Labor Secretary. Walsh left for Washington Tuesday morning.
Janey will hold the office as acting mayor until the November election. She's the city's 55th mayor, but when she's sworn in Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. she will the first woman and the first Black mayor in Boston's history.
"This is the City I love. This is the City where I have been a student and a parent, an organizer and an advocate, a City Councilor and the City Council President. I am proud to continue my work with you, as your Mayor," she wrote in an open letter to the city Tuesday.
"In the days ahead, partnering together, we will focus on recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, safely reopening our City and renewing our communities. And, as we reopen, we will take the steps to become a more equitable, more joyful, more resilient Boston."
After visiting the school, she went to City Hall for a day of meetings.
Many Boston residents were excited to see Janey lead. "We are very proud and inspired by her becoming the mayor," said Abdullah Fernandes.
Councilwoman Julia Meija is looking forward to working with Janey in her new position.
"I feel like it's restorative justice, it's about time," said Meija. "Mayor Janey will be able to bring that profound experience of what it's like to be a fourth-generation African-American here in the city of Boston."