God, the Political Hatchet Man

This is something you may not have learned in Sunday School:

ATLANTIC CITY - Mayor Lorenzo Langford pledged to guide the city through its economic turmoil and enter a partnership with his former rivals during his inauguration speech Thursday.

Langford, who officially took the oath of office Wednesday, was joined by family, friends, supporters and various city and county officials Thursday afternoon inside the Carnegie Library for the public ceremony.

"We're going to get through this," he told a packed room. "As bleak as it may look on the local economy with the gaming industry, I know we're going to be all right. Atlantic City is going to soar."

The new mayor, whose previous term in office from 2002 to 2005 was hampered by adamant detractors, welcomed the partnership of those previously viewed as rivals. However, he also issued a caution to those still seeking his demise.

"Plot and plan against me, if you will," he said. "But remember, there is a God in heaven plotting and planning against you."

The whole "God is love" thing is so last year.