Newton's First Woman Mayor: Ruthanne Fuller Sworn Into Office

NEWTON, MA — As the clock struck to 12:30 p.m. it became official; Ruthanne Fuller was the first woman to be sworn into serving as the mayor of Newton in the city's history. She is Newton's 31st mayor.

She said she was mindful that she was breaking a barrier.

"I’m grateful for those who came before me and on whose shoulders I stand – those who fought the fight for equality for every citizen – and made this possible," she said in her inaugural speech.

The new mayor stressed working with the community throughout her speech, promising to launch a feasibility study this year for a "top-notch" Senior Center. She also said a team would work on producing a master plan and request funding in the next two weeks for a Washington Corridor visioning initiative. She pledged to deliver an updated zoning ordinance to City Council by the fall. She also promised to finish the Complete Streets Design Guide this spring, and put a climate action plan together by the end of the year.

And then, addressing those who cast ballots in the election, she asked for help.

"To all the voters of Newton, regardless of which candidates you voted for or whether you were yea or nay
on the charter, we stand together in our common love for this city and I ask for your help, your ideas, and your input."

This summer Fuller said she believed the agenda changes when there's a woman in the room. She said she believed more women in the room leads to better decision making and outcomes.

"I'm struck by how often girls ask me whether there's been a mayor that's been a woman," she said of her time on the campaign trail, adding at the time she didn't think anyone should vote for her solely because she's a woman, "But it's an important consideration... I promise you that when you have a diverse group of people in the room the decision making is better."

Previously on Patch:

Ruthanne Fuller Wants To Be The First Woman Mayor Of Newton

Newton Mayoral Ad Controversy: Fuller Vs Lennon

'My Opponent Is Attacking Me': Newton Mayoral Candidate Ruthanne

Photo of Ruthanne Fuller being sworn in on Jan. 1, 2018 courtesy of Mayor Ruthanne Fuller's Twitter Page