Richard Smith was sworn in as mayor of Milford City during a packed inauguration ceremony that included musical performances, prayers, and remarks from Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz.

The ceremony, held to introduce dozens of newly elected local officials, included the swearing-in of City Clerk Peter Smith by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and an oath for Mayor Smith administered by Probate Judge Ben Gettinger. Poet Elaine Nadao and local musical groups performed; clergy offered invocation and benediction.

In his inaugural address, Mayor Smith thanked supporters and described his approach as one of bipartisan cooperation and civic engagement. He framed immediate priorities in fiscal and economic terms: "Our grand list is down $56,000,000,000," he said, and added that the recent revaluation could shift more of the tax burden onto residential taxpayers already struggling to make ends meet. He also said recent news indicated the city faced the possible loss of a major manufacturer. Smith called on members of both parties to work together to address taxation, housing, and wage pressures.

Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz spoke before the oath of the city clerk, praising Peter Smith's long experience with elections and local government and administering Smith's oath. Bysiewicz described civic participation as vital and encouraged continued collaboration between local and state officials. After being sworn in, City Clerk Peter Smith briefly thanked the community and said he looked forward to serving Milford.

The program combined ceremonial elements with civic messaging: clergy from local congregations offered prayers and benedictions that emphasized unity and service, Milford's poet laureate read a poem about resilience and community, and local schoolchildren led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The event concluded with musical performances and an invitation to attendees to continue conversations over refreshments in the foyer. No formal votes or policy actions were taken during the ceremony; the gathering was ceremonial and organizational in nature.

Next steps noted during the event are primarily procedural: newly sworn officials will assume their duties; Mayor Smith's remarks flagged fiscal pressures and economic development concerns that the new administration said it will address in coming months.