Mayor Parker officially sworn in at private ceremony

HOUSTON Annise Parker was sworn in as Mayor of Houston in a private ceremony at City Hall. With her hand on her grandparents' bible, State District Judge Steven Kirkland administered the oath to Mayor Parker. A small gathering of family and friends was present.

The City Charter mandates the transfer of power occur on January 2, so Mayor Parker chose the private Saturday morning ceremony followed by a formal public inaugural on Monday to avoid the overtime costs the city would have incurred from having to call in police and other city employees for a weekend inauguration.

"At a time when the city is facing budget shortfalls, we will be continually looking for ways to cut expenses," Mayor Parker said.

City Controller Ronald C. Green also took the oath of office on Saturday. His wife, Harris County Justice of the Peace Hilary Green, had the honor of administering the oath to her husband.

The official public inauguration of Mayor Parker, City Controller Green and Houston City Council is scheduled for 9:30am Monday at the Wortham Theater Center. The celebration will end with a free concert from 6pm to 9pm at Discovery Green.