Joined by his wife, children, parents, siblings, extended relatives and a packed crowd at the Marriott Anchorage, Dave Bronson was sworn in as the mayor of Anchorage at 8 a.m. on July 1.

Shortly before raising his right hand for the oath of office, Bronson delivered a short speech that looked forward to a new direction for Anchorage while offering an olive branch to work together across all walks of life.

“Like so many Alaskans my family are salt of the earth people who see the value of hard work, a strong community and the collective responsibility we have to come together and in support of each other,” Bronson said.

He then thanked Acting Mayor Austin Quinn-Davidson and the employees of the municipality for their service during these “difficult months.”

Bronson praised the system of American democracy and “moments like this” that underscore government is “for the people, by the people and of the people.”

While he is now the top elected official in town, he leads a city that is closely divided along political lines. Bronson won in runoff election in May against his far-left opponent Forrest Dunbar – defeating him by 1,193 votes (45,937 to 44,744).

Bronson said was here to support all Anchorage residents, to “listen and to learn and to never take our role as public servants for granted.” His administration will be one with and “open door and an open mind, working together across all walks of life, creeds, cultures, backgrounds and political affiliations to accomplish the goals of this city.”

“We’ll no longer kick the can down the road but come together to find the solutions Anchorage demands.”

Bronson highlighted the fact that he aims to revitalize Anchorage with new jobs and economic growth, and to look for ways to get government’s job done in a more “cost efficient and effective manner.”

There is a responsibility to get the city “back on track” he said, noting that his administration is “hard charged to revitalize Anchorage” and to “tackle some of the biggest and most immediate needs of our times.”

These include, homelessness, public safety, economic development, port revitalization and much more.

“We’ll no longer kick the can down the road but come together to find the solutions Anchorage demands,” he said.

Bronson stated his priority to increase employment in the city, saying he wanted to see an Anchorage with “new cranes in the sky, new investment pouring into our community, new projects breaking ground, new residents and industries arriving to call Anchorage home.”

In preparing for this day he has held more than 150 meetings with stakeholders, Assembly members, business leaders, religious groups and others to identify areas of “growth and improvement.”

Looking to the future Bronson said Anchorage residents must aspire to leave their city better for the next generation.

“We need to create a prosperous community where our kids can grow up safely, become our next generation of leaders and remain an integral part of the fabric of our community.”

He concluded his speech by saying Anchorage has significant challenges ahead, “but none of them are insurmountable.”

City Clerk Barbara Jones then came to the stage to administer the oath of office. Raising his right hand, Bronson said: “I solemnly swear that I will uphold the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Alaska and the Charter of the Municipality of Anchorage, and that I will faithfully perform the duties of mayor to the best of my ability.”

A standing ovation ensued.

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