By Steve Klamkin WPRO News
In a city that’s gone through numerous elections and recall votes in recent years, Fall River’s new mayor says he plans to shift the focus away from politics.
Paul Coogan, a former school committeeman and high school principal was sworn in Monday along with re-elected and newly elected members of the City Council and School Committee, and vowed to refocus on many of the city’s needs.
“While we were distracted by politics, other very important issues, like the opioid crisis, crime, infrastructure, taxes were not receiving the required attention,” Coogan said in his inaugural address. “It was unfortunate, but that is all in the rear view mirror now, and it’s time we all moved on.”
Despite finishing second in a recall election earlier this year, Coogan bested former Mayor Jasiel Correia in the November election. Correia had stepped aside several weeks earlier in the face of federal corruption charges.
First elected mayor in 2016, Correia faces trial this year on fraud and tax charges related to his private business prior to becoming mayor, as well as allegedly extorting cannabis vendors seeking city licenses to grow and sell marijuana.
“Together, nothing can stop us from moving Fall River forward,” Coogan said.
