New Mayor Sam Liccardo Envisions San Jose the “Global Gateway to the United States”

San Jose's new mayor is promising improvement on issues ranging from homelessness, the drought and public safety.

Sam Liccardo on Tuesday night was sworn in as mayor at the Center for the Performing Arts. During the ceremony he put forth a vision for San Jose that was warmly received by a large crowd.

"We can position San Jose to become the global gateway to the United States and America's gateway to the world," he said.

Liccardo, sworn in by San Jose's independent police auditor LaDoris Cordell, promised a dedicated and innovative city hall spirit on issues such as traffic congestion, drought, education and summer jobs. But perhaps the longest ovation of the night came when he talked about the police department.

Liccardo said he promised to "rebuild America's finest police department," which was met with applause from the crowd. But not participating in that applause was the top brass in the San Jose Police Officers Association, who said Liccardo's actions speak louder than his words.

Meanwhile, outside the Center for the Performing Arts advocates pushing to build a campground for the homeless held a protest.

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