Swearing In!
I photographed the Oath of Office Ceremony for local elected officials in the Hiram, Garrettsville, Mantua & Nelson Township area on December 15, 2023 . The event was held at Koritansky Hall on the Hiram College Campus in Hiram Ohio. The oaths were administered by Judge John Eklund. Special guests included Portage County Commissioners Tony Badalamenti, Sabrina Christian-Bennet, Mike Tinlin, and Thomas Queen, Congressman Dave Joyce’s representative. Outgoing Mayor of Hiram Village Lou Bertrand introduced the program, and Reverend Chris McCreight gave the invocation and benediction. Judge Eklund offered some very moving and inspirational remarks just before administrating the oaths. In all, eleven newly elected (or re-elected) officials were sworn in. The mood was upbeat. It was refreshing to see political differences put on the back burner. I love the positive energy that radiates from a group of people such as this that give freely of their time for public service.
Written and photographed by Dave Dreimiller