The stage at Chopticon H.S. was filled with elected officials during the Dec. 1 swearing-in ceremony.
Morganza, MD — “A peaceful incremental democratic change” was how St. Mary’s County Public Information Officer Tony Jones described Monday night’s swearing-in ceremony for newly elected public officials. In this case democratic was spelled with a small “d” because the November 4 general election represented a clean sweep for the GOP in contested races in the county against the party spelled with a capital “D.”
Symbolizing that change in power was the turning over of the commissioner president’s gavel from Francis “Jack” Russell to the man who defeated him in his bid for a third term – James “Randy” Guy. Before a large crowd at the swearing-in ceremony in the Chopticon High School auditorium, Guy said, “I will strive for intelligent application of resources for St. Mary’s County.” He mentioned the priority areas of education, emergency services and transportation.
In opening remarks St. Mary’s County Administrator Dr. Rebecca Bridgett said, “Today represents the past, present and future of St. Mary’s County.” She noted the county’s rich history which began in St. Mary’s City and continued through the present with a number of stakeholders. “To them who are elected to serve we stand behind you as you lead us into the future,” she said.
The ceremony included the swearing in of Clerk of the Circuit Court Joanie Williams by Circuit Court Administrative Judge Karen Abrams. Williams then in turn swore in: Judges of the Orphans Court Albert Babcock, Michael White and Dalton Wood, Jr; Register of Wills Lois Duke; Board of Education members Karin Bailey and Rita Weaver; Sheriff Tim Cameron; and County Commissioners Michael Hewitt, Tom Jarboe, Todd Morgan and John O’Connor along with President Guy.
Treasurer Christine Kelley and State’s Attorney Rick Fritz will be sworn-in in January. The winning legislators will also be sworn-in in Annapolis in January.
The Processional and Recessional were performed by the Chopticon High School Band under the direction of Todd Burroughs. Leonardtown Commissioner Hayden Hammett sang the Star Spangled Banner and Patuxent NAS Commanding Officer Capt. Heidi Fleming led the Pledge of Allegiance. Dominion Apostolic Ministries Pastor Michael Barber delivered the Invocation and Benediction.
A reception followed the ceremony in the hall outside the Chopticon auditorium.
The first meeting of the new commissioner board was held on Tuesday morning and was relatively routine. The new school board members will have their first meeting on December 10.
Photos by Mike Wilson
