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Jacques Roy was sworn in as Alexandria mayor today and pledged to usher in a bright future of “inclusive, intelligent growth.”Roy took the oath as Alexandria’s 23rd mayor during a chilly outdoor ceremony alongside the Red River about 12:46 p.m. City Judge Richard Starling Jr. administered the oath of office to Roy, whose wife, Wendy, was by his side.(To see a video presentation of the inauguration, click on "File downloads" at the bottom right. Also at right, see a transcript of Roy's inaugural address.)As the baton of leadership was passed from outgoing Mayor Ned Randolph, Roy paid tribute to the man who served 20 years as Alexandria’s mayor.“Ned Randolph carefully laid the foundation for the city from a time when, rightly or wrongly, some thought there was no hope,” Roy said.Invoking Charles Dickens, Roy said Alexandria was today the tale of a city experencing “the best of times.” Problems exist, he said, but can be overcome if citizens shun complacency and work together.“Let it be the tale of a city that works together, not suffers from division,” he said.Also taking their oaths of office were re-elected incumbent Councilmen Myron Lawson, Everett Hobbs and Harry Silver.The ceremony followed a 10 a.m. inaugural mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and procession to the Riverfront Center downtown. The Red River provided a picturesque backdrop for Roy’s inauguration on the outdoor area of the Riverfront Center.About 500 attended the ceremony, with more than 100 people watching from inside the Riverfront Center to shield themselves from the cold winds that chilled the crowd.The ceremony included a performance by members of the Peabody Magnet High School Band, singer Renee LaRoche and singer Mickey Mangun.Randolph thanked citizens for giving him the opportunity to serve the public, and he made it clear that he thinks Roy will be an excellent mayor.Pineville Mayor Clarence Field praised Randolph for his 20 years of service and pledged to work with Roy for the benefit of Central Louisiana.A reception inside the Riverfront Center followed the ceremony.
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