A new chapter in Clark County government officially began under the gaze of friends, supporters and a few former rivals.
On Thursday, more than 100 people crowded into the hearing room of the Clark County Public Service Center to watch Eileen Quiring and John Blom be sworn in as the newest members of Clark County council. Those in attendance included the family and friends of the new Republican councilors, other elected officials, county staff and David Madore and Tom Mielke, the two Republicans being replaced on the council.
Mielke, who was replaced by Quiring after he retired, and Madore, who lost re-election to Blom, bitterly feuded with the rest of the council and county staff in recent years. But Mielke, who had shaved the beard he grew during his last weeks on the council, and Madore, who wore his suit and trademark American flag cross lapel pin, were all smiles during the event and happily chatted with those in attendance before and after.
“Someone said, ‘Once you’re sworn in it’s a wonderful time, and it’s downhill from there,'” Council Chair Marc Boldt, no party preference, said to laughter as he began the ceremony.
Superior Court Judge James Rulli administered the oath of office to Quiring first. She raised her right hand and swore she was a U.S. citizen. She swore she would uphold the laws and constitutions of both the U.S. and Washington state. She swore to “truly, faithfully, diligently and impartially perform the duties” of county councilor.
“I hope to serve you well, and with God’s help and your help, I will be able to do that,” she said after taking the oath.
Afterward, Blom raised his right hand, took the oath and gave a brief speech.
“At some point earlier in the year, I heard the quote from Abraham Lincoln that said, ‘I am here today because a friend believed in me, and I didn’t want to let them down,’ ” he said. “And I feel like that’s so much of why I’m here today: because people along the way said, ‘You can do this. We believe in you.'”
‘I love what I do’
After the two were sworn in, Boldt called up Nancy Barnes, a re-elected Public Utility District Commissioner, who he joked had held office “just about as long as we’ve had electricity” to be sworn in for her fifth term.
Barnes, who’s held the position since 1993, noted that she was a bit of a “third wheel” at the event and also gave a brief speech after being sworn in.
“I love what I do,” she said. “Thank you so much for your support.”
