Milwaukee swore in its 40th mayor Tom Barrett Tuesday. On a chilly afternoon, there appeared a willingness by Barrett and new Common Council president Willie Hines to work together to unify a racially divided city.

Barrett also spoke to regional cooperation, correctly pointing out that the more successful urban regions of America are those where the city and suburbs work together for the good of the region as a whole. While we may not be ready for metropolitan government such as is in Indianapolis, it's important that city and suburbs cooperate to ensure we have an attractive job market, clean water, and a better transportation system among other issues. This does not mean they will always agree, nor should it. For instance, I remain opposed to widening the freeway within the city limits. For one, the price tag for such a project is outrageous at a time when all levels of government must tighten their belts. Regardless, that debate will continue, and I'm optimistic that Tom Barrett will be a leader on that and other issues so that Milwaukee can continue to grow and be successful.

You can view the whole long ceremony here. The text of Barrett's remarks are available at the city's website.