The 68th Mayor of Hartford attended an inaugural event on Thursday, his fourth day in office.
Mayor Arunan Arulampalam began the day with an interfaith prayer service at Hartford’s Center Church, where his wife, Lisa, is pastor. Dozens of religious leaders offered prayers for Arulampalam.
Union Baptist Pastor Trevor Buford said, “As faith leaders across this city, we have come together to cover, pray, and speak with one voice, because like our mayor and Pastor Riza… “Because we believe in Hartford.” church. “We believe in this leader and we believe in what we can do together.”
“May God bless you, may God use you, may God protect you and may God strengthen you as you lead our city,” said Pastor Michael Bailey of First Cathedral Church. Stated.
![Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, his wife Riza, and supporters walk down Main Street from Center Church to the Old State Capitol on January 4, 2024.](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/208f98f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6968x4646+0+0/resize/880x587!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F24%2F29%2Fcbf530c54d548f9a86bcd52cbbff%2Fmayorarunaninaugural-240104-dsc-0070-1x.jpg)
Dave Wurtzel
/
connecticut public
After marching north down Main Street in downtown Hartford, Arurampalam gave a short inaugural address at the old Connecticut State Capitol, emphasizing the need for the city’s communities and residents to work together.
“I ask you to approach your role as a citizen as seriously, as purposefully and as purposefully as I step into this role as mayor, because your role as a citizen is every bit as important.” Arulampalam told voters.
“Hartford exudes a quiet confidence,” Arulampalam said. “We grow stronger every day through our struggles and sacrifices. We have come to this city from thousands of places with countless stories, and our futures are so intertwined.”
The mayor’s remarks were attended by senior officials, including Hartford City Council members, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal.
Arulampalam told reporters that his priorities for his first week in office include getting accustomed to City Hall and preparing for a possible weekend snowstorm.
“I’m really excited today and I’m even more excited for the next four years,” Arurampalam said.
The program day was scheduled to conclude with an inaugural ball at the Connecticut Convention Center. Mr. Arulampalam was officially sworn in at midnight on January 1st. He replaces two-term mayor Luke Bronin, who chose not to run for re-election.
Arunan Arulampalam’s father-in-law is Gregory B. Butler, a member of the board of directors of Connecticut Public.