New Mayor, City Council Sworn In

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Walking into the City Hall for the first time as mayor Karl Dean brings with him, a long wish list that includes stronger schools, safer streets and more jobs.

Video: Many Challenges Lie Ahead For New Mayor

Dean and City Council members were inaugurated Friday afternoon at the Metro Courthouse.

Throughout his campaign, Dean has pledged improvements in education and in other areas of government.

But getting those programs into place means he has to get the 40-member Metro Council on his side.

That's been a challenge in the past, that's why Vice Mayor Diane Neighbors extended an olive branch during her inauguration speech.

"While some tension in the legislative body is inherent, I believe that cooperation and open communication between the two branches of government can lead to great things,” she said.

Many Council members feel teamwork won't be such a struggle, because their goals of schools and safety mirror Dean’s.

At the same time, with so many people voting, disagreements are inevitable, but the new council feels this a new era of cooperation.

"It can be contentious, and it can be personal and it can be miserable, and it doesn't have to be,” said Council Member Ronnie Steine.

The school system's budget comes from the mayor and the council.

"What I heard was within the pie you are given, in any given year, education dollars come first, and perhaps, that's as good as it gets,” Metro School Board member Marsha Warden said.

Dean does have an advantage, because as legal director he's dealt with many of these people for years.

Dean said he's already met with the police chief and the director of schools.

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