WATCH: Newly Sworn In Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert Has A Message For The City

On Tuesday, January 2, Mayor Roger J. Reinert was officially sworn in as Duluth’s 40th
mayor at an inauguration ceremony at Duluth City Hall. City leadership and staff, community members, and various elected officials gathered at noon on the first-floor rotunda to mark the occasion.

According to the City of Duluth, Mayor Reinert was sworn in by Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Dale Harris. Judge Harris is also a retired Navy Reserve Captain and Judge Advocate General (JAG) Officer. All four living former Duluth Mayors were also in attendance.

Upon being sworn in, Mayor Reinert made brief remarks covering a variety of subjects, starting by thanking those in attendance.

“I’m sincerely grateful to everyone who has taken time from your busy day to attend this Inauguration Ceremony and recognize this important day of transition. It is with great honor and humility that I step into this role as the 40th Mayor for the City of Duluth,” said Reinert.

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He then had a message for Duluthians as he reiterated themes for the campaign.

Mayor Reinert's comments regarding his initial priorities:

“We have very clear priorities ahead of us in 2024. The primary role of city government is streets, utilities, and public safety. Neighborhood parks, libraries, and community centers. And to ensure that these core services are effective, efficient, and at a tax rate we can afford and sustain.”

On his focus on Duluth being a good partner:

“At City Hall, we will also renew our commitment to partnership with other governmental entities like the County, ISD 709, and our near-neighbor communities, as well as our area businesses and local non-profits. And most importantly - everyday Duluthians.”

On the importance of holding his swearing-in ceremony at City Hall:

“This is the place you all come with your ideas, hopes, challenges, and problems. This is the place we ask our best and brightest to join the City team and be your partners. And, this is the place the Duluthians who went before us built for this purpose.”

The City Of Duluth shared a video of the event Tuesday on its Facebook page.

The City notes that “Mayor Roger” was elected with 60% of the vote on November 7, 2023. He previously served Duluth as a City Councilor, State Representative, and State Senator. Reinert is a licensed attorney and US Navy (Reserve) Commander. He is an active runner, a licensed pilot, and an avid sailor of Lake Superior.

Incoming Duluth City Councilors will take the oath in a City Council inauguration
ceremony at 4:45 pm on Thursday, January 4, in Council Chambers before their first
agenda session of 2024.

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