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Boston City Council Sworn In For New Term

BOSTON (CBS) - The new Boston City Council was officially sworn into office during a ceremony at historic Faneuil Hall Monday morning.

Mayor Menino administered the oath of office to the 13 members, marking a new two-year term.

The new face this year is Frank Baker, who won an open seat in November. Baker says he is looking forward to rolling up his sleeves and working on the issues facing the city.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports

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"Priorities are the same across the city, it's schools, it's jobs, it's clean streets," says Baker. "I want to be part of the teams that help to turn the schools around, and do good things for Boston."

Later, at City Hall, the council elected Stephen Murphy as its president for a second term. Murphy says one of his main priorities will be to convene a special City Council Gaming Committee. He says Boston will very likely be a host for a casino and Suffolk Downs is a probable location.

WBZ NewsRadio's Kim Tunnicliffe spoke with Murphy

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Murphy says, "We don't have any regulatory committee authority over the license, but in terms of how it happens, whether it goes to an East Boston vote, or a ward vote or a city-wide vote, that is something we can decide."

The Gaming Committee will hold a public hearing to see how residents feel about the casino issue.

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