YOUNGSTOWN Youngstown's newly elected 52nd mayor was sworn into office Thursday at East High School.

Filling the role after former Mayor Jamael Tito Brown finished his second term, Mayor Derrick McDowell told 21 News that he used his inauguration as an opportunity to let the public know him on a more personal level. 

"The location we chose specifically to really show a commitment to community with the east side as a part of the city of Youngstown, with the district and Youngstown City Schools and the community that came out to enjoy it," McDowell said. "Yesterday was just a moment for us all. It wasn't just a moment for me."

McDowell's mayoral campaign and first day in office looked similar. He spent time talking about the door-to-door campaigning he had done for the last 12 months, as well as the floor-to-floor introductions he made during his first day in office. 

"I'm wasting no time orienting myself," he said. "Going floor to floor within City Hall to meet the folks that are going to take care of our folks."

McDowell stated the importance he sees in leaning on longtime officials and that the learning-curve that may come with working alongside more veteran members is welcomed. 

The mayor says that regarding any justification for his cabinet hires, each individual was chosen based on how well-suited they are for the job.

"I won't single out one individual appointment and make it about anything other than what it is. It was an appointment made based on the qualifications and the competencies that I need in order to get the job done for the community that I promised that we would get work done on behalf of the city of Youngstown," McDowell said.

McDowell also says that he looks forward to hearing concerns from citizens and leading them to the right resources to get them addressed.