PORTAGE — The new mayor of Portage vowed to tighten city finances she described as "severely strained" by debt after being sworn into office Wednesday.
Sue Lynch said she already started the process by appointing people with financial expertise to the city’s Board of Public Works.
The new members are former city Councilman Steve Sonaty; Portage Township School Board member Dr. Shaunna Finley; Jamie Lewis, a financial advisor at Edward Jones; and city Councilman Scott Williams.
Lynch, a Democrat, said adding someone from the city council to the BPW was part of her commitment to a more open and responsible form of government.
She also said the BPW will not be a "rubber stamp" for her administration dedicated, instead, to checks and balances along with transparency in spending.
"Gone are the days of pop-up projects that saddle us with debt," she said.
Lynch, the former city council president, was given the oath of office by State Rep. Chuck Moseley, D-Portage, in front of about 200 people at Woodland Park Community Center.
She placed her hand on a Bible held by two of her great-grandchildren, Layla and Brooklyn Riley.
Lynch defeated Republican John Cannon in November.
Cannon was on the city council when appointed mayor in March to serve out the term of James Snyder after his convictions for bribery and obstructing the IRS.
The convictions stemmed from a $13,000 kickback related to the city’s purchase of five garbage trucks and Snyder owing tens of thousands of dollars in personal funds to the IRS after being caught hiding some of his assets.
A judge recently granted Snyder a retrial on the bribery charge after his former assistant streets and sanitation superintendent Randy Reeder recanted his testimony implicating Snyder in the garbage truck scheme.
Snyder has not yet been sentenced.
Lynch appointed Reeder as superintendent of streets and sanitation.
She said she knows not everybody will agree with her selection but after considerable input and reflection Reeder stood out as most qualified.
Lynch said politics had nothing to do with any of her department head choices.
"They were not made overnight and they have been carefully thought out whether you choose to believe it or not. They represent who I truly believe to be individuals who will be strong leaders and who will give respect and be respected by their employees," she said.
The city council has four new members who also were sworn in.
They are Democrats Gina Giese-Hurst, Brian Gulley, Debbie Podgorski and Ferdinand Alvarez.
Alvarez, 29, said he agreed with Lynch there are many challenges but also many positives to build upon.
"I just have so much to learn. I want to spend time learning and then being productive for the citizens however that might be," he said.
Gallery: Region municipal officials sworn-in
Duane Parry sworn in as Michigan City mayor

Duane Parry vowed to get spending under control focus on neglected neighborhoods during his address Saturday after being sworn in as the next mayor in Michigan City.
Sue Lynch, new Portage Mayor sworn into office

Sue Lynch is joined by family members as she is sworn into office as Portage's new Mayor by Indiana State Rep. Chuck Moseley on Wednesday morning at Woodland Park. Lynch defeated John Cannon in the general election.
Sue Lynch, new Portage Mayor sworn into office

Sue Lynch is sworn into office as Portage's new mayor on Wednesday at Woodland Park. She defeated John Cannon in the general election.
Sue Lynch, new Portage Mayor sworn into office

Portage City Councilman Collin Czilli talks to Portage’s Mayor Sue Lynch during a swearing-in ceremony for the new public officials on Wednesday morning at Woodland Park.
Sue Lynch, new Portage Mayor sworn into office

Incoming Portage Mayor Sue Lynch speaks on Wednesday morning following in a swearing-in ceremony at Woodland Park.
Sue Lynch, new Portage Mayor sworn into office

Former Portage Mayor Olga Velazquez is acknowledged by incoming Mayor Sue Lynch during a swearing-in ceremony for Portage public officials on Wednesday morning at Woodland Park.
Sue Lynch, new Portage Mayor sworn into office

Supporters of Sue Lynch give a standing ovation to the incoming mayor after she is sworn in on Wednesday morning at Woodland Park.
Sue Lynch, new Portage Mayor sworn into office

Relatives and supporters of Sue Lynch gather Wednesday morning at Woodland Park as she is sworn into office as Portage's new Mayor
Sue Lynch, new Portage Mayor sworn into office

Sue Lynch is sworn into office as Portage's new mayor Jan. 1 at Woodland Park. She defeated John Cannon in the general election.
Sue Lynch, new Portage Mayor sworn into office

Sue Lynch is joined by family members as she is sworn into office as Portage's new Mayor by Indiana State Rep. Chuck Moseley Wednesday morning at Woodland Park. Lynch defeated John Cannon in the general election.
Sue Lynch, new Portage Mayor sworn into office

Former Mayor of Portage Olga Velazquez is acknowledged by Mayor-elect Sue Lynch during a swearing-in ceremony for Portage public officials Wedensday morning at Woodland Park.
Sue Lynch, new Portage Mayor sworn into office

Supporters of Sue Lynch give a standing ovation to the Mayor-elect after she is sworn into office as Portage's new Mayor Wednesday morning at Woodland Park.
Sue Lynch, new Portage Mayor sworn into office

Relatives and supporters of Sue Lynch gather Wednesday morning at Woodland Park as she is sworn into office as Portage's new Mayor
Sue Lynch, new Portage Mayor sworn into office

Portage City Councilman Collin Czilli talks to Portage’s Mayor-elet Sue Lynch during a swearing-in ceremony for the new public officials Wednesday morning at Woodland Park.
Sue Lynch, new Portage Mayor sworn into office

Portage’s new Mayor Sue Lynch speaks Wednesday morning following in a swearing-in ceremony at Woodland Park.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy, left, shakes hands with Porter County Circuit Court Judge Mary DeBoer, right, while Matt's wife, Polly, looks on on Wednesday in the City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy briefly claps during his inaugural address on Wednesday in City Hall.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Evan Costas, Valparaiso City Councilman At-large, smiles as his father, outgoing Mayor Jon Costas, compliments him during his farewell remarks on Wednesday in the City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy watches from the dais as outgoing Mayor Jon Costas makes remarks on Wednesday in the City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Outgoing Mayor Jon Costas delivers farewell remarks on Wednesday at Valparaiso City Hall.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Outgoing Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas, left, shares words with incoming Mayor Matt Murphy prior to his swearing-in on Wednesday in the Valparaiso City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy gives his inaugural address to the audience on Wednesday in the City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn In

New Porter County Circuit Court Judge Mary DeBoer collects oath of office documents and signatures on Wednesday in the Valparaiso City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

New Porter County Circuit Court Judge Mary DeBoer smiles as she gives brief remarks Wednesday prior to swearing-in ceremonies for new Valparaiso City Council members.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy, right, shakes hands with members of the public who gathered in the City Council Chambers for his swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Outgoing Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas, right, passes the podium over to incoming Mayor Matt Murphy on Wednesday prior to his swearing-in ceremony.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Outgoing Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas imparts advice to the new mayor and city council members on Wednesday as they're sworn-in in the City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Evan Costas, Valparaiso City Councilman At-large, bows his head as the closing prayer is delivered Wednesday following swearing-in ceremonies for new council members.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy delivers his inaugural address on Wednesday at City Hall.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Polly Murphy, right, and her son, Jack, 7, listen as Mayor Matt Murphy gives his inaugural address on Wednesday in the City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Valparaiso Matt Murphy delivers his inaugural address on Wednesday in the City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

New Valparaiso City Clerk-Treasurer Holly Taylor makes brief remarks Wednesday after being sworn-in in the City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Valparaiso City Councilmen At-large Evan Costas, far left, and George Douglas, center right, raise their hands as they're sworn-in by Porter County Circuit Court Judge Mary DeBoer on Wednesday.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Mayor Matt Murphy has a laugh as outgoing Mayor Jon Costas makes remarks on Wednesday at Valparaiso City Hall.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

New Porter County Circuit Court Judge Mary DeBoer has a laugh as she jokes she's held her position for less than 12 hours on Wednesday prior to swearing-in ceremonies for Mayor Matt Murphy and new City Council members.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy speaks after being sworn-in on Wednesday in the Valparaiso City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Outgoing Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas smiles as he delivers remarks Wednesday to the audience gathered in the City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Polly Murphy, right, hugs her husband, Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy, after his swearing-in on Wednesday in the City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Indiana State Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, snaps photos on his cell phone Wednesday at Valparaiso City Council members are sworn-in.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Valparaiso Matt Murphy bows his head as the benediction is delivered Wednesday at the swearing-in ceremony for him and other city council members.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Mayor Matt Murphy places his signature on his oath of office document on Wednesday in the City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Outgoing Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas, left, speaks with incoming Mayor Matt Murphy prior to his swearing-in on Wednesday at Valparaiso City Hall.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy, left, is sworn-in by Porter County Circuit Court Judge Mary DeBoer, right, while Matt's wife, Polly, looks on on Wednesday in the City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy, right, shakes hands with members of the public Wednesday that gathered for the swearing-in ceremonies for Valparaiso City Council members on Wednesday.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

The audience listens as Mayor Matt Murphy, right, delivers his inaugural address on Wednesday in the City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Outgoing Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas has a laugh as he makes remarks to the audience gathered in the Valparaiso City Council Chambers on Wednesday.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

New Valparaiso City Clerk-Treasurer Holly Taylor, center, helps new Porter County Circuit Court Judge Mary DeBoer, left, collect oath of office documents on Wednesday in the City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

New Porter County Circuit Court Judge Mary DeBoer prepares to swear-in new Valparaiso City Council members on Wednesday.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

New Valparaiso City Clerk-Treasurer Holly Taylor, left, is sworn-in by Porter County Circuit Court Judge Mary DeBoer on Wednesday in the City Council Chambers.
Valparaiso City Council Members and Mayor Sworn-In

Valparaiso 2nd District City Councilman Bob Cotton delivers brief remarks on Wednesday in the City Council Chambers.