BENTONVILLE -- Government officials gave their commitment to serve Tuesday as they were sworn into new terms in office.
Benton County and city officials and others were administered their oath of office by Circuit Judge Doug Schrantz in in the Quorum Courtroom at the County Administration Building. Many incoming elected officials brought family or friends to the ceremony, with the crowd filling the meeting room. Schrantz, serving as administrative judge for the county's six circuit judges, has handled the responsibility before.
"In a way, it's kind of routine," Schrantz said. "But it's always exciting to swear in these newly elected officials. There's always a great deal of excitement and a great deal of interest."
Adriane Carr, a new justice of the peace for District 12, wants to learn her committee assignments and get to work. She was one of five new justices of the peace to take the oath of office Tuesday.
"I'm looking forward to a good 2017 representing the people of District 12," Carr said.
Brenda DeShields, embarking on her eighth term as circuit clerk, still looks forward to the swearing-in ceremony.
"I still think it's an honor," DeShields said. "To be elected is a very humbling experience, and it's an honor to be able to serve the citizens."
Bill Burckart, Bentonville alderman for Ward 3, is entering his ninth year on the City Council. It should be an active year for the city, he said.
"I'm looking forward to continuing to work on our transportation improvements, infrastructure improvements and our utilities moving to a new facility," Burckart said.
Tom Allen has served on the Quorum Court for 14 years and is back for another term as justice of the peace. Many challenges await the county this year, he said.
"I'm looking forward to working with seven new justices of the peace and a new county judge," Allen said. "I'm hoping we can all work together to have some resolution on our county courts facility and on other things, like the War Eagle Bridge, streamlining the budget process and working with the new county judge on priorities for our roads."
Barry Moehring, the new county judge, plans to spend some time getting acquainted with his job and putting his team in place. He also plans to visit with as many county employees as he can and to hold meetings with his top-level supervisors.
"This week is going to be getting acquainted, making sure I'm up to speed with all their immediate issues and tasks."
Moehring said his first long-term project involves a survey and analysis of county roads with an eye toward revamping the county's 2017 road plan.
NW News on 01/04/2017