Mayor Swearengin begins second term

Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin officially began her second term on Thursday, taking the oath of office and unveiling her new agenda.

The mayor's new agenda focuses heavily on the local economy, an area she believes is key to turning the city around.

Mayor Swearengin hugged and thanked family members and staff at City Hall after being sworn in for a second term, becoming emotional at times, reflecting on her role as mayor. "I am here and I am faithfully serving the City of Fresno and doing my best to work very hard on the behalf of our community," said Mayor Swearengin.

The mayor also discussed her focus on improving the local economy and making the city more attractive to businesses. "New in this next term, I intend to launch an export commission that will work directly with area businesses to make to make sure they've got the tools they need to export their product," said Swearengin.

The new export commission is part of a second term agenda that also looks to restore the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, launch a new bioenergy initiative and promote Fresno's food industry. Swearengin believes all three are crucial as the city continues to battle many of the same issues she faced her first term. "We are making a turnaround and we will do an about face from all of those things,"  said Swearengin.

The next four years won't be without their challenges, like the battle over trash privatization she is currently in the middle of.

Click on the related link to see Mayor Swearengin's second term agenda outline.