Billionaire Michael Bloomberg was sworn in on Friday as New York City mayor for a third term.
"As I stand here today, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve New Yorkers for four more years - and to be the first Independent to have the honor of taking the oath," Bloomberg said in his inaugural address.
"I recognize - I understand - that this term is a special opportunity, one that comes with extraordinary responsibilities," he said.
Bloomberg also said: "I want to make a personal commitment to you - and to every New Yorker. No matter where you live and work, no matter what your race or roots, no matter who you love, who you worship, or who you voted for, I pledge to be your Mayor."
"And I will not stop working for you - I will not rest - until every job seeker finds work, every high school student graduates, every child is safe from illegal guns, every family has an affordable home, and every New Yorker with a dream finds it within reach," he said.
New York mayors are elected for four-year terms and traditionally were limited to two consecutive terms. However, in October 2008 Bloomberg persuaded the New York City Council to extend the limit to three consecutive terms, allowing him to run for a third time.
The mayor heads the city's executive branch, and his office is in the New York City Hall.
Bloomberg, who earned his fortune as founder of the financial news agency, is known for his efforts to reform education.
Mayor since January 1, 2002, he spent more than $100 million of his personal wealth on his 2009 election campaign.
NEW YORK, January 2 (RIA Novosti)
