BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – It was a celebratory atmosphere at Burlington City Hall for the beginning of Mayor Emma Mulvaney Stanak’s tenure as mayor.
She laid out her hopes for the future of her term on addressing challenges in the city.
Contois Auditorium was standing room only to see a historic swearing-in and State of the City address. cheers rang through as the new mayor entered council chambers at city hall.
“I stand before you today, both honored and humbled to be the first woman and first openly LGBTQ person to serve as Burlington’s Mayor,” said Mulvaney-Stanak.
Mulvaney-Stanak continued the message of her mayoral campaign with community safety being the top priority.
“When you call for help, you should have peace of mind knowing that you will receive a timely and appropriate response. If you experience harm, you deserve both immediate and ongoing support to repair that harm. Whether or not you have a permanent home, you deserve dignity, respect, and support from our City,” said Mulvaney-Stanak.
She laid out her plan to address the opioid crisis with an overdose prevention center if it passes through the state government. She also highlighted the need for expanded help for those who are homeless or at risk, and renewed efforts to make clear that racism and identity-based hate have no place in Burlington.
“Through every engagement I had with groups and individuals alike during this election, I know that Burlingtonians are ready and willing to show up for each other. From day one, my administration will actively engage members of our community to address quality of life concerns in every corner of Burlington,” said Mulvaney-Stanak.
Mulvaney-Stanak continued to emphasize the affordability and accountability of city government.
Newly elected City Council President Ben Traverse says he’s ready to get to work with the new adminsitration.
“I think we have nothing but opportunity ahead of us ahead of us. I think if everyone is willing to work together in the spirit of partnership and collaboration, there’s so much we can do for Burlington,” said Traverse.
Now the real work begins for the Mulvaney-Stanak leadership of the city.
First up, she will be addressing the fiscal year 2025 budget, which currently has a $9 million discrepancy. Mulvaney-Stanak will also work to appoint a special assistant to the mayor on community safety to begin addressing those challenges.