More people gathered at the voter’s registration office for results from June’s primary than attended the Induction Ceremony last Monday at the Chesterfield County Courthouse, when Fourth Judicial Circuit Judge Paul M. Burch administered the oath of office to November’s elected politicians. The evening marked the beginning of their terms in office.
Of course, an unusual amount of interest in politics, both locally and across the state, was stirred last summer when several challenging candidates discovered their paperwork for candidacy had not been done properly; due to changes in filing procedures. Disqualified candidates were forced to continue campaigning to have their names printed as a petition candidate in November.
As it turned out, none of those inducted to office this week were involved with ballot issues.
The ceremony was short, but serious. Each candidate was allowed to chose a family member or friend to hold the Bible upon which they rested one hand, lifted the other, and made their pledges to the citizens of Chesterfield County to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of this State and of the United States.” Their pledge ends with the traditional words, “So help me God.”
The reception, immediately following the ceremony, produced a relaxed atmosphere and a generous supply of smiles and good food. What the crowd lacked in numbers, it made up for in the show of support from close family and friends.
Those sworn into office were Ted Vick, S.C. House of Representatives District 53; Bruce E. Rivers, Chesterfield County Council District 1; George Franklin Plyler, Chesterfield County Council District 5; Lenora V. Powe, Chesterfield County Council District 6; J. Matthew Rivers, Chesterfield County Council District 7; Robert G. Cole, Chesterfield County Council District 9; Faye L. Sellers, Clerk of Court; and Ingram Jack Rivers Jr., Auditor.
— Staff Writer Karen Kissiah can be reached by calling 843-537-5261, or by email at kkissiah@civitasmedia.com.
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