DeKalb County officials formally assumed their roles during a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected school board members, county commissioners, and countywide executives.
General Sessions Judge Brandon Cox said the ceremony serves as a simple but significant event. Cox said the support of family, friends, and the community helps sustain these individuals as they give a part of themselves to make the county better.
“Holding public office isn’t about, it’s not about the title that you hold, it’s about the people that walk through your door,” Cox said. “It’s about making the difficult decision when the easy one would be more popular. It’s about doing your job fairly and honestly, even when no one else is looking.”
Cox said the true measure of public service for the gathered officials would not be found in the words spoken during the ceremony. Cox said their service to the community will instead be measured by the work they begin the following day.
“I talk for a living, I say a lot of words in court, but I thought tonight is a special occasion and it necessitates thinking a little bit about the words that I’m going to say,” Cox said. “We don’t do public service alone and many of us have already been in public service for many years, even if this is your first time in public service, you’re going to find out quite quickly you don’t do these things alone.”
The ceremony included five school board members and 14 county commissioners representing seven districts.
“I’d like to say that I’m going to take my oath on a Bible that was presented to me yesterday from the Gideons, who came to the courthouse and met me yesterday and laid hands on me and prayed for me and asked me to get sworn in on this Bible and I’m honored to do that tonight,” Patrick Ray said.
The event also saw the swearing-in of several countywide executives, including Register of Deeds Daniel Seber, Trustee Sean Driver, and Sheriff Brian Williams. Cox said County Court Clerk Jimmy Poss, Road Supervisor Danny Hale, and Circuit Court Clerk Susan Martin also took their respective oaths of office.
“I pray that you all will continue to support them, whether you voted for them or not, whether you agree with them or not, the jobs that everyone is here to do are difficult and they do require your support, and at least your prayer on that,” Cox said.
