Condon sworn in as new Spokane mayor

David Condon now only has to wait to become the mayor of the second largest city in Washington. After a year of researching, campaigning, debating and fund-raising in what some thought was a long-shot bid for mayor, Condon took the final step required by law to take office. He was sworn in as the city’s 44th mayor this morning in a short ceremony in front of the Clocktower at Riverfront Park. In a brief speech after taking the oath on his family Bible, Condon promised transparency at City Hall. “All of you are my boss,” he said. “I truly work for you.” He said he chose to be sworn in front of the Clocktower – what remains of the former Great Northern Railroad Depot – to represent the city’s vast history and its future. Riverfront Park was built to host Expo ’74. Laughs from the crowd could be heard when Condon mentioned that he was born the same year as Spokane’s Worlds’ Fair. “I know we will stand on the world’s stage again,” he said. After the ceremony, Condon handed out passes to ride the Carrousel and the crowd drifted to the merry-go-round for refreshments and rides. Later Friday, city spokeswoman Marlene Feist announced Condon’s first major staffing decision. His transition team director, Theresa Sanders, will be his city administrator. Sanders is the city’s former economic development director. He also has chosen Acting Assistant Police Chief Scott Stephens to be the acting police chief. But that appointment is effective only through the weekend, he said. “The No. 1 issue will be public safety, and I will be addressing that first thing, next week,” Condon said in an interview after his speech.