Mayor Kelly Girtz and four new commissioners are now officially in office. Athens-Clarke County’s newest leaders were sworn-in Tuesday evening at City Hall.
A large crowd turned out to watch the proceedings as Patrick Davenport, Tim Denson, Russell Edwards, and Ovita Thornton joined Girtz on the steps of City Hall while Judge Susan Tate administered the oaths of office to each.
The new Mayor is looking forward to serving with his new colleagues.
“It’s overwhelming. This is a great day in the life of this great city that has given so much to me,” Girtz stated, “and I’m fortunate to be able to give back in conjunction with the fantastic commission all of whom are talented, knowledgeable folks who I think are going to work very well together for the 130,000 Athenians that we serve. So I couldn’t be more excited than I am right now.”
It’s a sentiment shared by new commissioner Edwards.
“The ensuing seven months between the campaign, the election, and the swearing-in, I’ve really gotten to know my future colleagues a lot better—District 1, Patrick Davenport, District 5, Tim Denson; District 9, Ovita Thornton,” Edwards said. “And I’ve really become just more and more excited the more I get to know these individuals because I’ve seen a strong work ethic from them, and we’re sort of feeding off of each other’s excitement.”
Returning Commissioner Melissa Link was also sworn-in.
