Nathan Gerace, 19, has been sworn in as the youngest mayor in Tamaqua.

District Magistrate Stephen Bayer conducted the swearing-in ceremony at Tuesday night’s reorganizational meeting.

Gerace replaces Mayor Christian Morrison, who is stepping down after serving for 12 years.

Since the November election, where Gerace ran unopposed as a Republican, the two have been working closely to make sure the transition is a smooth one.

“We’ve been meeting regularly,” said Morrison. “I’ve been giving him the information. He’s been asking great questions.”

Morrison said Gerace is ready to step up to the plate.

I’ve been quizzing him on a weekly basis and he is ready. I think he’ll do well.”

Morrison said that Gerace brings a youthful energy to the position.

“After 12 years, the time has come for me to move on,” Morrison said.

His biggest piece of advice to the new mayor?

“Simply listen,” said Morrison. “That has been a great experience for me.”

Gerace is ready to hit the ground running. The mayor’s chief responsibility is to oversee the police department and work hand-in-hand with the chief of police.

“I hope to strengthen the police department and increase the community interaction with the department,” said Gerace, outlining some of the first goals he wants to tackle. “We need to be a friendlier community while we crack down on crime at the same time.”

Gerace is looking forward to participating in police ride-alongs and getting to know all the officers in the department individually. Overall, he’s hoping to get the community, as a whole, more involved in local government.

The new mayor, who grew up in Tamaqua and who will also be taking classes at LCCC this coming semester, said the role is a good one for him.

“It felt like something I could do. It fit with what I wanted to do. It’s exciting. I’m happy to be here.”

Gerace said the borough staff and borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt have made themselves available to answer any questions and have provided a great deal of help. He also credited Morrison with passing on some good advice.

Gerace’s mother and siblings were on hand for his swearing-in. Gerace smoothly stepped into the leadership role, calling the reorganizational meeting to order and acting as the chair until Councilman David Mace was reappointed council president.

“I’m a lot less nervous than I thought I would be,” Gerace said. “I’m hoping that in four years, Tamaqua will be a better place to live and have a family.”