UTICA - People were pouring into hallways and nearby offices for the swearing in today of Utica's 75th mayor.

Mayor David Roefaro told the standing room only crowd in Utica's Common Council chambers that today's swearing in was a humbling experience.

Students from Roefaro's alma mater - Proctor High School - provided the musical backdrop for today's swearing in. the ceremony featured the school's honor guard and color guard as well.

Roefaro's family, friends, as well as local, county and state leaders packed the Common Council chambers at City Hall see the new mayor sworn in and hear his first official words as Utica's 75th mayor.

Roefaro talked off the cuff for the most part, spending the first several minutes thanking everyone who helped him win the office. He then talked about the kind of leader he hopes to be, quoting a well-known former downstate mayor to convey the spirit of cooperation he says he will foster at Utica City Hall.

Before the fanfare downstairs in council chambers, there was housekeeping to be done upstairs. Roefaro spent the early part of the day with his staff, organizing his office.