Spicer feels ‘very fortunate’ to lead Framingham as it becomes a city
Framingham, long the biggest town in Massachusetts, officially became a city yesterday, swearing in its first mayor.
“I feel very fortunate to have the honor of leading this city as we move forward to our future,” said Mayor Yvonne Spicer to reporters after she was sworn in yesterday. “One day, one step at a time, we’re building this ship as we drive it. And yes, we will trip up sometimes, but we’ll get back on course and I’m confident that together we will do a great job.”
Speaking to hundreds of Framingham residents in City Hall, Spicer vowed to bring the city together as it sets its sights higher.
“Today, here in Framingham, we are making history. As we celebrate becoming a city, we are blessed,” Spicer told the crowd. “Today we take the next step in building our legacy.”
Spicer moved to Framingham in the 1980s to be a teacher. Before running for mayor, she was most recently in charge of advocacy and educational partnerships at the Museum of Science. She told residents she will make education a priority.
“We know that strong schools build strong communities,” she said. “Every student that attends Framingham schools deserves an opportunity to be supported in that environment.”
Last year, Framingham voted to become a city for the first time since it was founded in 1700. That transition will take time, Spicer said. Yesterday “Town of Framingham” plaques and signs still remained in what is now City Hall.
As Spicer became the first mayor of Framingham, she also became the first African-American woman to be elected mayor in state history. She told reporters that milestone says the most about Framingham.
“This city chose me, and that speaks volumes about my community,” she said. “My race, my gender, did not limit their vote for me and they believe in the fact that I could lead this city.”
Spicer’s inauguration featured a deep roster of Massachusetts politicians, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Katherine Clark, Attorney General Maura Healey and Secretary of State William F. Galvin.
“Dr. Spicer understands what it takes to make sure every child in our community has a real chance to succeed,” Warren said. “She knows every city, every state, every part of our country is stronger when we invest in education, when we invest in infrastructure, when we invest in government that creates opportunities.”