by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

For the first time in local history, there will be no public swearing-in ceremony this year for newly elected public officials. Due to health concerns over the COVID-19 virus, county officials decided against the usual practice.

Normally there is a formal Courthouse ceremony for all officials winning office in the November election. The activities often draw around 200 family members and friends.

This year, new or re-elected officials will be sworn individually at a location of their choosing or they may go to the county clerk’s office to take their oath. The terms of office for those newly elected begins Jan. 1.

Taking office for new terms locally are: judges Paul Felix, William Hughes, Richard Campbell and David Najjar, County Auditor Robin Mills, County Treasurer Susan Byer, County Surveyor Kenton Ward, County Commissioners Steven Dillinger and Mark Heirbrandt, and County Councilors Brad Beaver, Sue Maki and Steven Nation.

All are Republicans. In addition, there are 14 nonpartisan school board members countywide who will be sworn in their school communities.