CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. -- Hundreds of supporters packed the Central Falls High School auditorium on Tuesday to see James A. Diossa sworn-in as the first Latino mayor in the state's smallest and poorest city.
The festive one-hour ceremony featured bagpipes, a police honor guard and a host of dignitaries including Governor Chafee, Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, Providence Mayor Angel Taveras, Cranston Mayor Alan Fung, Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien, Cumberland Mayor Dan McKee and North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi.
Also in attendance were State Police Col. Steven G. O'Donnell and A.T. Wall, director of the Adult Correctional Institutions.
Diossa, 27, is the 32nd mayor of the 1.3 square-mile city, founded in 1895. It recently emerged from federal bankruptcy but remains in state receivership.