LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — It’s official. Shelley Berkley is the mayor of Las Vegas after she was sworn into office Wednesday morning before her first city council meeting.
“So, we’re not going to have a Goodman, but we are going to have a good woman,” Justice Michael Cherry said as he conducted the swearing-in ceremony.
When Berkley took to the podium to speak, the audience periodically chanted “Shelley, Shelley, Shelley” while she thanked her supporters and the Goodmans.
Surrounded by her large family, Berkley promised to serve the city well and work with the community.
“I believe the next 10 years we will see unprecedented growth and prosperity in our city. I will endeavor to create an atmosphere where everyone who wants to share in the success of Las Vegas has the opportunity to do so no matter the color of your skin, where your family is from, whether you’re Republican or Democrat, Independent whether you’re a business owner or a proud union member. Las Vegas needs your talent, drive, hard work if we’re all going to succeed,” she told the audience.
Berkley brings years of experience to the office. From 1999 to 2013, she served seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and then led the Touro University system.
Berkley told of how her family got a second chance when they ended up in Las Vegas in 1964.
In the November election, Berkley beat out Las Vegas City Councilwoman Victoria Seaman for the mayor’s seat.
Mayor Carolyn Goodman held the position for the past 13 years, winning the seat after her husband, Oscar Goodman left the office after serving for 12 years.
