Trenton's new mayor, Eric Jackson, sworn into office

TRENTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- Trenton's new mayor Eric Jackson was officially sworn into office today, and he's vowing to turn the city around.

Jackson, 55, was born and raised in the city of Trenton.

The former public works director is taking over the reins of the city after four tumultuous years during which former Mayor Tony Mack was arrested, charged and convicted of corruption.

He's now in federal prison.

Mayor Jackson says, "Today I commit to you that the best days of our city are ahead of us. Yes, the best is yet to come."

Facing profound crime, budget and education challenges, Jackson says solving the city's problems won't be easy and he'll need the public's help.

"The key word is 'together,'" he said.

Together we can make a difference

A lot of people are counting on Eric Jackson to turn the troubled city around.

Trenton resident Wilma Woodward tells us, "There is a sense of hope. A big sense of hope, and like that boy was singing, we need our pride back."

Bob Prunetti of the Mid-Jersey Chamber of Commerce says, "With the former administration, the corruption and all, everybody was hands off. I think they see somebody who is honest, trustworthy and is willing to put the city before himself."

City Council President Zach Chester says, "We actually got off on a good start, the new mayor, with Gov. Christie by meeting with him, meeting with DCA."

The new mayor's brother, Tony, sang the National Anthem during this swearing-in ceremony, one punctuated by music and the hope of moving forward.

Jackson explained, "Looking at the wonderful faces out there, knowing we have hope and there's a new direction and everybody's excited. So I'm thrilled to be leading that new direction."

Wasting no time making personnel changes, Mayor Jackson has confirmed to Action News that he has fired Police Director Ralph Rivera and Business Administrator Sam Hutchinson. He has appointed new directors to those positions and two other departments.