Former Councilman Richard Thomas took the helm as the new mayor of Mount Vernon Friday, unseating long-time city leader Ernie Davis.

The 33-year-old mayor took the oath of office at Mount Vernon High School and was sworn in by former New York Gov. David Paterson.

Many people told News 12 that they hope the new leadership will bring some positive changes to the city, including reducing crime and improving the schools.

News 12 asked Thomas what he hopes to accomplish in his first 100 days in office.

"We want to identify the challenges, define them and present them to the public," he said. "One-hundred days is a short time. Not even a child is fully developed in 100 days. The problems that we've faced have not been formed in 100 days, it took 20 years."

Councilman King was joined by Mayor Bill de Blasio at the event.