Kim Janey has made history this week to become the first Black person and the first woman to serve as mayor of Boston.
According to Boston.com, the 55-year-old former education advocate will serve as the acting mayor of Boston in the wake of former mayor Marty Walsh's resignation from the position as of Monday, March 22.
Janey was first elected for City Council back in 2017 and was in her second term as a member of the city council before stepping into the role of acting mayor.
Discussing her new role in a recent interview with The Boston Globe, Janey stated:
"It is surreal. Particularly when I think of my own background growing up. Just seeing how far our city has come. It’s amazing."
Per Boston.com, Janey is somewhat limited as acting mayor, and she can only perform duties that are urgent or "not admitting of delay", according to the rules of governance stipulated in Boston's city charter.
However, she can still pass or veto ordinances approved by the City Council and can carry out many other executive tasks, like handling city contracts and grants.
Walsh, is departing from office in order to assume the role of US Secretary of Labor in Washington D.C., congratulated his successor in a post on Twitter, writing:
"Congratulations on making history, @Kim_Janey. I know you are going to continue serving our city and supporting an equitable recovery from #COVID19. I am always here for you, my friend."
Walsh has also assured his citizens that the transition from his administration to Janey's would be a smooth one, stating: "We’ve held extensive planning sessions.
"Every department has been engaged in this process and is taking proactive steps to ensure the continuity of services and operations in the city of Boston.
"I am confident, more than confident, that city government will move forward very smoothly, from the daily services that our residents rely on to our COVID response and public safety (and) the many long-term capital improvements that we have launched across all of our different neighborhoods. [sic]"
