HOUSTON -- It's official -- Houston has a new set of leaders. The mayor and several City Council members took the oath of office Wednesday morning, KPRC Local 2 reported.

The inauguration ceremony was held in downtown's newest park, Discovery Green.

Mayor Bill White took the oath for his final term in office because of term limitations.

Political observers speculate that White will seek a statewide office in two years, perhaps running for governor.

On Wednesday, the mayor focused on his successes in office and his future goals for the city.

"As employment soars, we know we're going to have to find new ways to get people to and from work, and that includes mass transit and flexible working hours," he said.

Newly elected City Council members Wanda Adams, Jolanda Jones, James Rodriguez and Mike Sullivan also took the oath.

Until recently, Adams was a city of Houston employee.

"Now, my former boss is having to call me council member, so it's really funny. But, overall, I'm looking forward to working with my former coworkers to help provide a better service that the city of Houston can provide," she said.

Rodriguez was chief of staff for former councilwoman Carol Alvarado.

All of the council members said they considered public safety a priority.

The mayor said he would fast track some issues, including trying to build a sports complex for young people to play soccer and a new stadium for the Houston Dynamo. He also said he would like to reduce the number of false alarms for Houston firefighters.

The mayor named Adrian Garcia as mayor pro tem. Sue Lovell was named the vice-mayor pro tem.

The mayor and city council will serve a two-year term in office. They are elected in odd-numbered years. Council members are limited to serving three terms, with each term beginning on Jan. 2 of the even-numbered year.

The 14-member council is made up of seven women and seven men.

More Information:

Mayor's Full Inauguration Speech
Meet Houston City Council