SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Ben Walsh was sworn on Saturday as Syracuse's 54th mayor.

The ceremony was held at the Landmark Theatre Saturday.

The event began with performances by local community organizations and groups.

When addressing the crowd, Walsh discussed his plans to improve public safety, neighborhoods and education, as well as bring more jobs to the area.

Walsh says he looks forward to implementing his ideas and is happy to have such an outpouring of support from the community.

“I think everyone sees this as an opportunity to start with a clean slate.  Throughout the campaign, I made it a point to be optimistic, to be hopeful about the future of the city. I think that has really resonated with people.  People are ready for change and it’s exciting."