CLEVELAND, Ga. — A large crowd of family, friends, and city and county officials gathered for the recent swearing-in of Cleveland’s recently elected officials.
The city held the ceremony on Dec. 21 at Cleveland First Baptist Church.
Cleveland Municipal Judge Garrison Baker swore in the newly re-elected Mayor Josh Turner, Ward 1 Councilmember Nan Bowen, and Ward 2 Councilmember Annie Sutton.
Baker told the crowd prior to swearing in each candidate, “I truly believe that public service is a calling; it is one of the highest callings you can have as it relates to nation, state, and our local community.”
A family affair
Mayor Turner thanked those who came out for the ceremony. He gave a special thanks to his family for serving alongside him.
“As elected officials, we are the ones that take the oath but the service to the community transcends beyond the elected official,” said Turner. “I want to thank my wife Lacy, and my three kids for allowing me this opportunity to serve my community that I love.”
Councilmember Bowen said she’s grateful for the opportunity to serve her community.
“I just want you to know that I appreciate all of our staff, love and appreciate all our council members and our mayor, and I thank you for the opportunity to serve our great city of Cleveland,” said Bowen.
Councilmember Sutton shared about her desire to serve, saying, “This is something I love doing. I’ve always told my family that when I’m dead and gone, I don’t want anything; just don’t put my name out there anywhere, just simply say she was a servant.”
Their terms in office begin on January 1.
