PORTLAND -- Mayor Jill Duson and three recently elected councilors were sworn in early this afternoon during a ceremony at City Hall.

"As we begin this council year, we are all keenly aware of the challenging times ahead for our city, our state and our nation," Duson said during her inauguration speech.

City Clerk Linda Cohen administered the oath of office to Community Organizer Dory Waxman and John Coyne, former chairman of the School Committee, and longtime Councilor Cheryl Leeman during an hourlong ceremony in the council chambers.

Both Waxman and Coyne are serving their first terms on the council.

Coyne represents District 5 and replaces James Cohen, who decided not to seek another council term this fall. Waxman defeated former Mayor Edward Suslovic in a three-way race for his at-large seat.

Leeman ran unopposed for her District 4 seat.

Duson is serving her second term as mayor. She was the city's first black mayor four years ago.

New School Committee members Justin Costa, Marnie Morrione and Elizabeth Holton will be sworn in at another City Hall ceremony, slated for 4 p.m. today.

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