By Frank Phillips
DLC Media News<img

Brazil – Most of the officials who were elected by Clay County voters in November took the oath of office Saturday morning at the Clay County Courthouse. Those not in attendance will be sworn into office at another time.

“When we get a new sheriff, special deputies also have to be sworn in,” said Judge Joseph Trout, who shared the job of administering the oath of office with Judge Robert Pell in the Superior Courtroom. Members of the school board who were recently elected and did not attend the ceremony will be sworn in at the next school board meeting, Trout said.

The ceremony was opened by County Commissioner Paul Sinders who said it takes “hard work, dedication and money” to become an elected official.

“We need to remember our highest priority is to serve the people of Clay County,” Sinders said.

Judge Trout had five pieces of advice for elected officials: Always tell the truth, always be humble and be a good listener, always be honest, do your job with respect to everyone, and enjoy your job.

Twenty-eight newly elected and re-elected officials took the oath during the ceremony.

Their oath stated (in part), “that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Indiana and I will faithfully and impartially discharge my duties … to the best of my ability, so help me God.”

Most government offices will be open for business on Tuesday in the New Year because Monday is a national holiday.