NEW YORK, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Mayor Michael Bloomberg celebrated New York City's recovery as he took the oath of office to a second term.
"Over the past four years we've learned, or relearned, that in this, the most diverse of cities, we are one people with one common destiny," Bloomberg said. "We have gone through the tough times and come out stronger."
The New York Times said Bloomberg's address was followed by a performance of "New York, New York" by Liza Minnelli.
"Four years ago, I spoke of building a better New York, and I can tell you exactly who is building it," Bloomberg said. "It's the couple who has just made the down payment on their first home in Cypress Hills. It's the second-grader with a newfound love of reading, checking a book out of the Harlem Branch Library."
The New York Times said Bloomberg promised to pursue the most ambitious housing program in city history, to begin a national campaign against illegal guns and to "lock in and extend" his program to improve city schools.
