Daria Devlin Sworn in as Mayor of Erie

Devlin says, "it is up to us to shape an Erie where everyone sees a future," in her acceptance speech as Erie's new mayor.

"Mayor Savocchio, it took us a minute but we got another woman in office," said Mayor Daria Devlin after being sworn in on Monday, Jan. 5 at 11 a.m. Spectators filled the council chambers and the lobby as they observed the inauguration. President of the Erie School Board Lori Pickens served as the Mistress of Ceremony. Following Devlin, new Erie Chief of Police Richard Lorah was sworn in. 

During her acceptance speech, Devlin thanked her parents and siblings as well as the Erie community. "I am honored by your faith in me. I am inspired by your love for Erie. I am humbled by your expectations, and quite honestly, I just don't want to let you down," Devlin said. 

Devlin reflected on her youth as an avid reader, her vision of Erie now as an adult and government official, and the writing of "Erie's next chapter." 

She described Erie's history as a story of immigrants and great leaders, but also a story of discrimination and disinvestment. "It is up to us to shape an Erie where everyone sees a future. Up to us to make the most of the fresh water and climate stability we take for granted. Up to us to protect and preserve our cultural diversity," Devlin said, previewing some of her goals in office. 

"Our chapter begins today. As we write it, we set in motion all the chapters that come next. As we develop our world class bayfront, as we improve housing for all of our neighbors, including those who are currently unhoused, as we improve relationships between our police and community, as we improve the outcomes and opportunities for our youth, we write the first words on pages that will long outlive us."