New elected officials will be ready to get to work on Day 1 of their new jobs after a swearing in ceremony was held this past Friday, December 27, for those starting terms in 2025.

Judicial officials went first on Friday in a ceremony held in the Polk County Courthouse’s main courtroom, giving new Chief Magistrate Court Judge Christy Garner the opportunity to be sworn first, followed by Polk County Superior Court Clerk Stacie Baines, members of her staff, and then Superior Court Judge Andrew Roper.

Judge Mark Murphy was sworn in on Thursday prior, along with Probate Court Judge Bobby Brooks with the belief they might not be able to make the ceremony on Friday, but later were able to participate.

After the Judges got their chance to be sworn, incumbent and newly elected officials for the County and School Board stepped up next following a short break for a reception.

Local attorney and longtime ethics instruction for the Georgia Municipal Association Mike McRae (himself or his firm also serving as attorneys for local municipalities in Polk as well) provided brief remarks about the responsibilities that elected officials face, and how they can navigate the challenges posed to them by constituents and outside forces that will always impact their time in office.

Fourth term Sheriff Johnny Moats, Tax Commissioner Amanda Lindsey, Coroner Norman Smith and Commissioner Chuck Thaxton were among those who were being sworn in to extend their time in office for a new four years, while others were taking their oaths for the first time.

That included new Surveyor Robert Cannon, two new County Commissioners – District 1’s Michael Gravett and District 3’s John Paschal – and three new School Board members: Rita Carter, Paul “Drew” Williams and Jeff Hawkins.

The group’s official term begins on January 1, but the swearing in ceremonies were held ahead of a second round of holiday closures coming up on Wednesday to start off 2025.

Many of the candidates who were on the ballot this year were incumbents who faced no opposition in primary or the general election. However contested primaries had multiple candidates running in the District 1 and District 3 County Commission races, and two of the three Board of Education seats in the Rockmart area.

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