In a swearing-in ceremony that drew as many as 600 people Wednesday, Dennis Elwell took the reins as mayor after striving for the post for almost a decade. Sworn in by his former political foe, Municipal Democratic Chairman Anthony Impreveduto, Elwell promised to “put people before politics” and addressed critical issues facing the town, including constructing a new library, providing the town with a new youth center, and helping the school system address some of its expansion needs. Elwell, the 12th mayor in Secaucus’ 100-year history, and was greeted by a standing ovation as the loud speakers broadcasted the theme to “Rocky” in the high school auditorium. While the town will need the cooperation of county, state and federal authorities, Elwell said, the theme of his administration will be “If it’s good for Secaucus, then it’s good,” and that Secaucus will always come first. Elwell said that improvements would not come without cost to the taxpayers, but that it was important to be aware of the town’s large senior citizen population who might not be able to afford increases. “This means we have to roll up our sleeves and go to work,” Elwell said. “I just hope that a 100 years or 1,000 years from now, government officials taking office can say of us that we began this century well and left something strong for them to build on. I want my administration to leave Secaucus better than we found it, and we found it the best of towns.” Along with the crowds of enthusiastic supporters, the swearing-in drew some of the county’s political elite including Hudson County Executive Robert Janiszewski; State Sen. Nicholas Sacco (D-North Bergen); Assembly members Albio Sires and Rudy Garcia (D-33rd Dist.); and Mayor Richard Turner, D- Weehawken. Mayor Anthony Russo, D-Hoboken, had expected to attend, but was involved in a municipal budget presentation. While the three still-living former mayors of Secaucus were invited to speak, only Paul Amico came. With Elwell, councilmen John Bueckner, John Reilly and Christopher Marra were also sworn in. Bueckner, who is beginning his fourth term, emphasized his previous connection with Elwell as an independent candidate, while at the same time reminding the host of dignitaries that Bueckner remained “an independent voice” in Secaucus. Elwell, Bueckner’s former running mate, ran as a Democrat in the last election. He emphasized the need to deal with issues such as getting a hotel tax instituted for Secaucus, monitoring air traffic and its associated noise, and possibly acquiring property in the north end where residents might have access to the river. Reilly, who named as the town’s first Deputy Mayor, claimed Daniel Flanagan and Rocco Impreveduto – deceased Democratic chairmen