NIAGARA FALLS — With his father holding the family Bible and his wife at his side, Paul Dyster took the oath of office Tuesday as the newest mayor of Niagara Falls.

A standing-room-only crowd of about 250 people filled in council chambers at City Hall to witness Dyster’s swearing-in ceremony. He received a standing ovation after taking the oath and was stopped several times during his speech by booming cheers.

“During the campaign, you the people sent a message that you wanted to change the tone of our political discourse and bring to City Hall a new brand of consensus-based leadership,” said Dyster, who replaced outgoing Mayor Vince Anello. “You said you wanted a leader at the top who listens to people, inspires them and gains their trust. I know that’s easier said than done, but for me it’s not just a campaign slogan, it’s the strategy I intend to bring to my job every day.”

Dyster defeated former Councilman Lewis “Babe” Rotella in September’s Democratic primary and former Republican Councilwoman Candra Thomason in November’s general election to become mayor. He was sworn in by the Hon. Rose H. Sconiers and was assisted in the ceremony by his father, Dr. Melvin Dyster and his wife, Becky Dyster. The rest of his family and close friends looked on from the front row.

“Our city faces a number of daunting challenges and I know that you are impatient to see things change,” the new mayor said. “I already know that at times things aren’t going to be moving far enough or fast enough, but it didn’t get this way overnight and they won’t be fixed overnight. But I promise you that from this day forward, at least we’ll be moving in the right direction.”

During the opening prayer, the Rev. Lora Allen noted she was born on New Year’s Day 52 years ago, and that Dyster being sworn into office is the perfect birthday present.

“I’ve been waiting a long time for this moment,” Allen said. “This is definitely a new day in Niagara Falls.”

Returning Councilman Robert Anderson Jr. and newly elected Councilman Steve Fournier Jr. were also sworn into office Tuesday.

In his speech, Dyster credited each councilmember with their dedication to the city and working with him over the past several weeks to ease the transition. He also promised to “look out for better, cheaper and greener ways of doing things” and govern in the interest of all the people.

Councilmembers were equally upbeat about the city’s future.

“This council will work with the mayor and move the city forward in 2008,” new Council Chairman Samuel Fruscione promised.

As the ceremony came to a close, Dyster got his first complaint — offered by Councilman Chris Robins.

“Those streets better be clean by the time we leave,” Robins joked.

While the crowd broke into laughter, Dyster looked for his new Department of Public Works Director David Kinney and playfully motioned for him to get to work.

“I’m excited as a councilman, but more excited as a resident of Niagara Falls,” Robins said about Dyster’s election.

Councilman Charles Walker also offered kudos to the new mayor and pointed out city lawmakers are facing huge challenges in the upcoming year.

“This administration and council have more resources than any administration and council have ever had coming into office,” Walker said, referring to extra revenue the city’s receiving from the casino compact and relicensing agreement with the New York Power Authority. “Those are dollars that are coming in that we have to use to increase our tax base and use to make things better in Niagara Falls.”

Contact reporter Rick Forgioneat 282-2311, ext. 2257.