LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) – Change is in the air in Lexington as a new mayor was sworn into office on Sunday.
Mayor Linda Gorton succeeds Jim Gray, who served the city as mayor for 8 years.
A room full of supporters was on-hand at the Gatton Student Center on UK’s campus when Gorton took the oath of office.
“I’m so excited to know that the people of Lexington have selected me,” said Gorton.
It’s official: Mayor Linda Gorton has been sworn in as Lexington’s new mayor. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/0RIgdk4eGR
— Alexa Helwig (@AlexaHelwig) January 6, 2019
As the longest serving member of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council with two decades of experience, Mayor Gorton says she understands what the city wants.
“They want safe neighborhoods, they want jobs that are meaningful, they want a good quality of life and a low cost of living,” said Gorton.
Mayor Gorton has plans to create an addiction task force to help fight the opioid crisis, build up Lexington as a technological hub and grow the economy.
Council members say they look forward to making that a reality.
“We have a lot of good plans for the city. As Mayor Gorton said we are going to have a tight budget, but I’m so excited to work with her,” said Council member Angela Evans.
With an endorsement from former Mayor Jim Gray, Mayor Gorton says the transition has been smooth.
“He and I have had a very friendly transition. We have lots of good, positive conversation. I think that will only help our city to remain steady,” said Gorton.
15 members of the Urban County Council were also sworn in at the ceremony.
