WILLIAMS SWORN IN AS D.C. MAYOR

WASHINGTON (AP) Local elected politics in the nation's capital
entered a new era Saturday as Anthony Williams, a Harvard-educated
lawyer credited with taking control of the city's finances, was
inaugurated the District of Columbia's fourth elected mayor.

"Our citizens deserve the best city in America," said Williams.
"Strong schools, safe streets, clean communities, affordable housing
and reliable transportation," were among the goals he outlined in his
15-minute inaugural address.

Williams, 47, also appealed to residents for greater commitment to the
district's youth. "We have watched the sons of the district die in
pools of blood on their front porches," said Williams, noting further
that too many young people are winding up in prison, or as young
parents at a time when they still need parents themselves.

And Williams, who was dubbed the "federal" candidate by critics during
the election, pledged to work for greater self-governance in the district.

Under the Constitution, Congress exercises legislative oversight of
district affairs, and can prohibit the use of district resources for
controversial policies such as needle exchange programs, abortions and
a ballot referendum on the medical use of marijuana. The city elects
a non-voting delegate to the House of Representatives.

Williams plans to be integrally involved in the day-to-day running of
the city, meeting weekly with department heads and senior-level staff
as he attempts to deliver on his promises to improve the city.

"It's time for all D.C. residents to give mayor Tony Williams their
full support," said outgoing Mayor Marion Barry as he presented
Williams with the city seal.

Barry who was elected to four terms, the last, following his 1991
conviction and jail sentence on a misdemeanor drug charge also
offered a final thanks to residents "for your forgiveness of me from
time to time when I mess up."