New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell sworn in for 6th term

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — Entering his sixth term, Mayor Jon Mitchell has kept a clear line on his priorities through his tenure as the city of New Bedford’s mayor: rebuilding the city of New Bedford, bringing the city’s maritime industry back to life, and bringing more people to the city.

“There’s plenty of opportunity for economic growth elsewhere in the city, of course. Among other efforts, we will continue to help cultivate small business formation and growth, attract advanced manufacturing including at the municipal golf course, promote the modernization at the airport, and support our thriving arts, culture, and hospitality scenes,” said Mitchell during his address.

Mitchell highlighted some of the major projects underway and upcoming in the Whaling City, including continued efforts to cut down on crime and increase housing.

“We’ve always been ambitious, but I don’t think there’s any other way to do the job. We’re fortunate now that there’s a whole lot of federal money that we still have available to us, and a lot of state money available to us to continue to invest. And so, look, we hope to see you guys at a lot of ribbon cuttings soon, there’s a lot of momentum right now,” Mitchell continued.

Mayor Mitchell has another four years to keep the ball rolling in New Bedford, and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey feels confident he can accomplish those goals.

She was in attendance Monday night to swear the mayor into office.

“I like his continued plans for housing and how to create more housing, it’s something that we’re very focused on as an administration,” Healey told ABC 6 News after the address.

“A lot of good things tonight from mayor Mitchell, he’s been a terrific partner to our administration and I look forward to economic development, growth, and success for the south coast and greater New Bedford,” Healey concluded.