WHITEHALL, Ohio — Michael Bivens on Sunday was sworn in as the mayor of Whitehall. He is the first African American to hold the position.
“It reminds me of the hope and possibilities that exist in this nation. Because if there is anything we can do in the United States, we can change,” he said.
Bivens said being the first African American mayor isn’t about him; it’s about the next generation.
“The good is being the example and being the light to shine not just because this moment isn’t just for me, it's for the person after me that says he did it, so can I,” said Bivens.
Bivens said he ran for mayor to help the city grow, and encourage more people to move to Whitehall.
“I want to see the city win, I want to see the city grow, I want to see the city prosper. I want to remain a city that is inviting of young couples like my wife and I because I see what this city was able to do and inspire us,” he said.
Bivens said first on his list is bringing new people to the table from different backgrounds.
“New ideas foster new innovation. New innovation fosters new aspirations. Those new aspirations foster a whole bunch of things,” said Bivens.
He’s excited about the city’s future, believing it's about building healthy families in the city, which he said builds a healthy community. He wants to bring community leaders to the table, like faith leaders, to reach every family in Whitehall to move the city forward, together.
“I’m going to try to build organic authentic relationships where everybody here is pulling for each other and each other's success," Bivens said.