HOLYOKE — Mayor Joshua A. Garcia became the city’s first Latino chief executive after Holyoke District Court First Justice William P. Hadley administered the oath of office Monday morning.
Thirteen days removed from Election Day, Garcia said he felt energized and ready “to hit the ground running.”
The new mayor, who formerly served as Blandford’s town administrator, was joined by his wife, Stefany, and their children, twins Ethan and Allison, and Garcia’s mother, Lianexis Collazo.
The ceremony was conducted inside the City Hall auditorium. Garcia will undergo a second swearing-in Jan. 3 for the full four-year term and other elected officials. Members of the Mount Tom Masonic Lodge led Garcia and Hadley into the auditorium.
In his address, Garcia said his administration would identify inefficiencies in the city government and strengthen internal controls to connect, build and grow. He plans to announce a transition team in the coming days.
“It is a group that represents the values and diversity of Holyoke, and they will prove invaluable to ensure we have a municipal government that is inclusive, transparent and ultimately connected,” Garcia said.
He added, “The bottom line here is that Holyoke is a community of differences in income, culture, skin color, the language we speak, and people we choose to love.”
Garcia envisioned a vibrant Holyoke that becomes a destination for visitors and families and businesses large and small.
“I see us taken full advantage of our competitive position because of our exceptionally affordable green energy infrastructure and our geographical position in the region,” he said. “I want new and existing businesses as well as current and future residents to feel confident that Holyoke values their investment in our city because far too many times, I hear the opposite.”
The mayor called for regaining control of the public schools, which drew applause, more housing options and beautiful parks. He wants to restore existing mills for businesses and industry while maintaining the structures’ historical character.
“As we navigate new growth and development pressures, my vision is for us to prioritize climate resiliency and reduce our carbon footprint,” Garcia said. “I see all these very achievable goals reached by a City Hall and city departments that are always open to and answerable to the citizens of this great city.”
Once a strong foundation is established at City Hall, Garcia said, he hoped to build a future based on financial stability that allows investments to improve quality of life. But, he added that past shortsighted decisions “ended today.”
“As your mayor, I will work relentlessly to make good on my campaign promises to offer sound municipal management, to bring people to the negotiating table, and make City work for you,” Garcia said.
Afterward, Holyoke Planning Director Aaron Vega said the day represented a culmination of the work his late-father, Carlos Vega, did in South Holyoke for over 40 years. His father organized young people to get involved and educated people about civics.
“Here we see the result of lots of people’s blood, sweat, and tears over decades,” Vega said, “and came into fruition for Josh Garcia. In some ways, it’s bigger than him. I know he’s ready to step up to the opportunity and the challenges.”
Former Ward 4 City Councilor Jossie Valentin said the 2020 U.S. Census showed that nearly 54% of Holyokers are Latino. “When we look at the election results, it wasn’t just about the mayor’s seat, it’s about the City Council and the makeup of that.”
When Valentin first ran for City Council in 2013, she was concerned about the lack of representation on the body. “Today is the day where I think we’re moving more and more toward that goal,” Valentin said.
Councilor-elect Israel Rivera said his friendship with Garcia goes began when they worked for the Holyoke Boys and Girls Club as teenagers. “It’s a long time coming and it’s come full circle for me,” he said.
Rivera said they renewed their friendship after he was released from prison in 2012.
“He was one of the first people to reach out to me and see what path I was going to take out of prison,” he said. “It’s time for us to get together and make a change.”
Rivera added the City Council must engage the community at street level. He wants to create a coalition of residents, city councilors, and nonprofit service providers to tackle issues like substance abuse and homelessness.
Migdalia Thomas said, “Our city needs a new vibe, new energy, someone who has been caring like him (Garcia) for the community. He’s always prepared to help out and I worked closely with him before. I knew he was an excellent candidate.”
Supporter Mary Ross said while election night was exciting, Monday’s swearing-in was a moving experience for her. “It seems so much more real and there are so many different people from every walk of life here. I’m excited going forward,” she said.
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