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OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg City Councilor Storm Cilley is warning city residents not to expect a January miracle in the city after being sworn in Saturday.
Alongside him were fellow democrats Jennifer Stevenson, Michael Weaver, Donna Trimm and Ogdensburg's new Mayor Michael Tooley.
Storm and Stevenson both served on city council in the past, while Weaver Trimm and Tooley will be serving for the first time.
Though Mayor Tooley noted that he technically served as mayor for the day as part of the Elks Club initiative in the 1970s.
At the inauguration ceremony, Cilley offered appreciation to voters who elected him to office. In an emotional delivery he paid tribute to the late Blair Roethel who he said pushed him to run for office. But Cilley remained clear-minded about the problems facing the city.
"Please do not expect a January 1 miracle. We are taking over the government with many unfilled vital positions," he said. "It's going to take us a while to get back on track. We're working on it."
He said with the support of citizens and employees the city will get there.
Stevenson also offered appreciation to the citizens of the city at the ceremony after taking her oath.
Stevenson said she was humbled to be elected again and said she was inspired by citizens' efforts over the last four years.
"So many people have stepped up and encouraged and helped," she said.
Stevenson said she remains passionate about the city of Ogdensburg which she loves and continues to trumpet in travels.
"Let's not work in the rear view mirror, let's look through the windshield," she said.
Donna Trimm told city residents she is a proud native of the city who spent the last four years watching the city council with real sadness.
However, she said she's excited to be part of the new council that hopes to usher in a new era for the city.
Weaver also spoke briefly at the inauguration.
He offered appreciation to his fellow councilors and those who elected him.
He said there is a lot that needs to be taken care of, but with the new council there will be a good start.
The new council members replaced Steve Fisher, Bill Dillabough, John Rishe and former Mayor Jeffrey M. Skelly, who did not seek reelection. All four were elected to terms by landslide votes as write-in candidates for council.
However during their term the city was forced to make difficult choices that divided the community.
Ogdensburg has faced substantial pain in recent years following a massive change in the sales tax distribution formula by the county which cost the city nearly $2 million in annual revenue.
The move sparked animosity between the previous city council led by Skelly who made deep personnel cuts, engaged in lengthy lawsuits against the fire union and county, shifted tax collection duties to the county and trimmed the budget to barebones in efforts to make the city financially solvent.