Kevin Sartor sworn in as Surprise mayor, pledges transparency and common-sense roadmap

Kevin Sartor was sworn in as mayor of Surprise on Jan. 7 and used his inaugural remarks before the council to outline a pledge of transparency and a "streamlined common sense road map" focused on fiscal responsibility, public safety and infrastructure.

Sartor thanked his family and supporters and said he intends to "lead with transparency, ensuring that everyone, residents, businesses, and all who call Surprise home, are informed and engaged in every step of the decision making process." He said his office will be open to residents’ concerns and that, in the coming weeks, he planned to discuss a roadmap with council colleagues that will prioritize "public facing initiatives rooted in fiscal responsibility, public safety, infrastructure, and common our community values." (Quote as spoken.)

The meeting also included ceremonial oaths for newly seated council members who took office at the start of the term. Council member Earl Greenberg and Council member Patrick Duffy each spoke briefly after being sworn in; Greenberg thanked voters and pledged to "do the best I can." The mayor’s remarks emphasized cooperation among council, staff and community partners and closed with an appeal to "get to work."