Sam Sutter Sworn in as New Fall River Mayor

 Twitter:  @markcurtisABC6

“I, Clifford Samuel Sutter…”

And with that oath Bristol Country District Attorney Sam Sutter, became Mayor Sam Sutter of Fall River.

Just two weeks after a bitterly divided city ousted M Mayor Will Flanagan in a recall vote, Sutter promised political healing.

“A tone that is more respectful; more civil; more polite; less nasty and less bitter,” said Mayor Sutter to applause.

In fact Sutter takes office after 70 percent of the city voted to get rid of his predecessor.

ABC6 Chief Political Reporter Mark Curtis said, “It is interesting to note that new Mayor Sutter will also remain District Attorney Sutter, perhaps for several more days.”

Sutter – who is overseeing the high profile murder case against Aaron Hernandez – will leave staff prosecutors in charge until Governor Patrick names an acting D.A.

“And that’s exactly the situation with the District Attorney’s office, so I’m going to be able to do that without any difficulty,” Sutter said.

Sutter’s bigger task is straightening out Fall River‘s finances.

Reporter Question: What’s the number one priority right now?

“The budget, the budget, and more of the budget. I mean the City’s financial problems have to be addressed.”

With that in mind, advocates for Flanagan’s recall, say the city’s controversial “Pay as you Throw” garbage fee, has to be repealed.

“I think it does, for a lot of people right here in Fall River because it’s just too much and we need to look at alternative options on how to handle our budget shortfalls,” said Fall River resident and political activist CJ Ferry.

So far the new Mayor has made no promises on junking those garbage fees.