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Boston Mayor Marty Walsh Sworn In For Second Term

BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Mayor Marty Walsh has taken the oath of office for a second term as Boston's chief executive.

Former Vice President Joe Biden presided over the inauguration Monday at the Cutler Majestic Theatre, calling Walsh one of the best mayors in the country.

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Former Vice President Joe Biden speaks at the inauguration of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, January 1, 2018. (WBZ-TV)

The Democratic mayor defeated City Councilor Tito Jackson in November.

Biden praised Walsh for his character and efforts to create a thriving middle class, calling him a "man of extraordinary character in a moment when we need more character and incredible courage."

"I know you've all been privileged to have some really great mayors over the history of this incredible city, but I don't think it's going to be a surprise to anybody to hear me say that, in my view, Marty Walsh can proudly take his place alongside any of them," Biden said.

Watch: Walsh Inauguration Speech

Walsh says he'll continue working to "make a better Boston for everyone."

"We want to take our city to new heights, but to do that we must adapt to the idea of Boston to new challenges from local streets to the global stage," the mayor said in his address.

"We recommit ourselves without reservation to feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, confronting racism and welcoming the immigrant - and we always will."

Walsh later swore in the city council. Andrea Campbell will be the first African-American woman to lead them as council president.

First elected in 2013, Walsh replaced the late Tom Menino, the city's longest-serving mayor who didn't seek re-election.

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The Boston City Council sworn into office January 1, 2018. (WBZ-TV)

His first four years have brought more economic development to portions of Boston.

Officials lured General Electric to move its corporate headquarters from Connecticut to Boston.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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