By ED BALDRIDGE
ed.baldridge@newssun.com
SEBRING -- Eric Zwayer was sworn in as Highlands County's new tax collector Monday morning at the Government Center after being appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist.
With family and friends in attendance at the front counter of the tax collector's office, Zwayer was given the oath by Judge Peter Estrada.
"I am proud to serve as the new tax collector," Zwayer told those in attendance. "I am glad you all came out to see this and to show your support."
Zwayer won by a good margin in the recent universal primary, picking up a respectable 5,238 out of 16,499 votes for almost 32 percent in a field of seven candidates, and promised to let well enough alone in an office that is considered to be one of the most customer-oriented government agencies in the county.
The appointment will allow him to immediately take the office vacated by the death of much loved Charles Bryan, who died while in office from pulmonary fibrosis in April.
"The governor's office called me on Thursday and told me that the governor would appoint me. I just needed to get sworn in and have the correct documents forwarded to their office," Zwayer said.
"I feel very blessed to serve in this community. And I want to maintain the service this office has provided," he added.
Zwayer explained that he was looking forward to rolling up his sleeves and getting to work in his new job as soon as possible and that he has given the current budget, which has already been approved, a cursory glance. He promised to take a long and closer look at financial after he has met the staff.
"I look forward to meeting everyone and getting to know them on a personal basis. And then I want to meet with all of the constitutional officers," Zwayer said after the ceremony.
"I have looked at the budget, but not as the tax collector yet. I am going to look for ways in which we can trim costs and increase efficiencies. I want to get up to speed as quickly as possible without disrupting to good job the office is already doing," Zwayer said.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 - www.newssun.com/0901-eb-zwayer