By SAMANTHA GHOLAR
sgholar@newssun.com
SEBRING - Tuesday's Highlands County Board of County Commission meeting started off with many congratulations for a handful of constitutional workers.
The congratulations were given following the start of the meeting when the honorable Judge J. David Langford conducted the swearing-in ceremony for five of the county's hardest working individuals.
First up in the ceremony was Penny Ogg, the newly elected Supervisor of Elections. Ogg has taken over the position following former long-time supervisor Joe Campbell's retirement.
"Thank you to the people of Highlands County who voted me into this position. I will make it my duty and honor to provide election services that will continue the legacy that Joe Campbell has given to us ... honest and fair and accurate elections," Ogg said.
Highlands County Sheriff Susan Benton was sworn in next, marking her third term as sheriff. Benton was accompanied by her father, Jack Cox, two grandchildren and son, Charles.
"I'm a fifth generation Floridian and that is something I'm proud of ... Thank you again," Benton said.
County Tax Collector Eric Zwayer was sworn-in next, accompanied by his wife, Amy, and three young children. Zwayer is entering his second term as Tax Collector in the county.
"It's been a privilege and a pleasure to be the Tax Collector for the last two years ... I feel very blessed to be your Tax Collector. I will work extremely hard in that position; we have a lot to accomplish. I'm going to serve you the best that I can," Zwayer said.
Re-elected Clerk of Courts (Robert) Bob Germaine was next to be congratulated following his swearing in. Germaine also began his second term in his position.
"I can't tell you how much I enjoy the opportunity to serve you ... I don't think anybody is as excited as I am to get up everyday and go to work. I'm just very, very excited to serve you another term," Germaine said. Germaine was accompanied by his wife, Monica.
Langford swore in the final constitutional officer, Property Appraiser Raymond McIntyre, just before 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
"We are hired by you, the citizens of this county, we work for you ... This job is not so much about the numbers, the lines and figures that we go through every year, but it's about listening to the citizens of our county," McIntyre said.
Langford, along with the full room of colleagues, family and friends, congratulated each of the officers on their accomplishments.
All of the newly appointed constitutionals are eager to begin this year's work load and look forward to serving the county.
Wednesday, January 09, 2013 - www.newssun.com/010913-sg-Swear-ins