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Date: 11/23/2021
HOLYOKE – History was made on Nov. 15 as the city of Holyoke inducted Joshua A. Garcia as its next and first Latinx mayor. At 9:30 a.m. Garcia was sworn into office by the Honorable William P. Hadley of the Holyoke District Court, surrounded by family and supporters in a packed Holyoke City Hall gymnasium.
According to his press release, “Garcia will be finishing Mayor Alex Morse’s term and will have a second, larger inauguration during the first week of January 2022. More details about that ceremony will be announced in the coming weeks.”
Addressing an enthusiastic audience, Garcia first answered a question about how he was feeling. He said, “I don't feel any less tired than I did on election day. But in all seriousness, the reality here is that there isn’t any time for rest. Over the last 13 days, my team and I have hit the ground running to execute on my campaign promise of identifying the inefficiencies in our government and strengthen internal controls so we can better connect, build and grow together.”
He stated that he plans to announce a transition team that will help chart a new course for the city.
“It is a group that represents the values and diversity of Holyoke and it will provide invaluable to ensure we have a municipal government that is inclusive, that is transparent and ultimately connected,” he said.
He then added what he pictures for the city during his tenure, “My vision includes building healthy neighborhoods, a safe and vibrant downtown with dining and retail options that celebrate our diversity. My vision has Holyoke becoming a destination for visitors and families as well as businesses large and small.”