Torrance Harvey says a week before Newburgh City Mayor Judy Kennedy had died, she asked him to visit her and requested that Harvey finish her term as mayor. 

Kennedy lost her battle to ovarian cancer last week.  And now Harvey had his first full day as Newburgh City Mayor on Tuesday. He was unanimoulsy appointed to the role by city council Monday evening.

Harvey says he has learned a lot from Kennedy when he served alongside her as a city council member, and hopes to carry on her wishes.

"There's a renaissance happening here in the city of Newburgh. We have to all come together, unify as Judy wanted us to, and keep this thing moving forward," said Harvey.   

The former and current mayor share many of the same goals like lowering the crime rate and bringing unity to the city. But as a Newburgh Free Academy teacher, Harvey brings a different perspective to the table.

He's also lived in the city since he was 19 years old, and raised his children in Newburgh.

Harvey's focus is to help out the children of the city. He also wants to push arts and culture, and infrastructure like paved roads.

The mayor says there will be a learning cuve, but he's looking forward to rolling up his sleeves and doing his best in this role. 

Mayor Torrance Harvery will serve this role until Janaury 1, 2019. There will be a special election this November to permanently fill the seat beyond this year.