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Walsh prepares for flurry of activity on first day

Ellen Abbott
/
WRVO News (file photo)
Newly sworn-in Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh

Today is the first official day at the office for Syracuse’s new mayor Ben Walsh. He has much of his staff in place - a mix of newcomers from outside government, and many city hall holdovers from the Miner Administration.

Walsh believes his history as one of Miner’s economic development aides is going to help him get acclimated to the new job.

"I know a lot of people in the building," Walsh said. "I know where to find everything, which in the early days I’m sure will come in handy. I’m really comfortable here, and it’s really good to be back.”

Walsh has a busy week ahead. He will attend the State of the state in Albany Wednesday. There’s an inauguration event for the community Saturday. And in between staff meetings, he says he will be moving around a lot, visiting city departments and not spending much time behind a desk - which will be his father’s, instead of the one left by Miner, in the sprawling mayoral suite in the rear of City Hall.

And while Walsh knows this is a 24/7 job, there are some parts of his schedule he won’t drop.

"I am on drop-off duty in the morning for my two girls," Walsh said. "I don’t expect that to change and I’ll get right down to city hall.”

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.