SOUTH PORTLAND # The City Council elected a new mayor Monday afternoon during a brief ceremony at City Hall.

At-large Councilman Thomas Blake was elected by a 7-0 vote to replace outgoing Mayor James A. Soule.

Blake, 57, is a lifelong resident of the city, having graduated from South Portland High School.

He worked as a paramedic and firefighter for the city for 27 years, before retiring last year to run for the City Council.

Blake, who is a past president of the Ferry Village Conservation Organization and South Portland Land Trust, said he looks forward to his one-year term as mayor.

He said he will provide leadership and take an active role in promoting public participation and volunteerism in government.

Blake and his wife live on High Street. They have four children.