POLS TAKE OFFICE IN CEREMONY
Republicans, Dems sworn in
VALPARAISO — With the new year Thursday, Porter County Republican Party members took the oath for offices they won in November.
“I appreciate all of you and the job you’re about to embark on in this new year,” Porter County Republican Party Chairman Mike Simpson said.
The ceremony started with Portage Mayor James Snyder swearing in his older brother, Jon M. Snyder, for a second term as Porter County Assessor.
Porter County Superior Judge Mary Harper swore in the rest using the Snyder family Bible.
Mike Jessen took the oath for the first time as Porter County Council member for District 4,
Jessen, who resigned from the Union Township School Board to run for office, said he attended county council and commissioners meetings to learn about the office and is excited about learning more.
“The focus for me the next four years is to help everyone I can through the county council,” he said.
Karen Conover was sworn in as County Council Member for District 3 for another term, and all township officials were also sworn in.
Union Township Trustee George Topoll attended despite taking the oath Wednesday.
Exiting Trustee Anthony Pampalone submitted a letter of resignation Dec. 20 that Simpson didn’t get until he returned from a trip Dec. 26.
At a special meeting, the Union Township Board installed Topoll early so they could vote to have him pay 2014 bills.
Center Township Trustee Doug Miller took the oath, replacing Chuck Conover who served 32 years.
Stephen Buck was the only Center Township Board member sworn in for another term, as Amy Daly was sworn in as a new Republican and Debbie Fray is a new Democrat.
Miller plans to update the township’s webpage as first priority.
Two new officeholders were absent from the ceremony.
Jeff Good, the new Porter County Commissioner for Center District, took his oath before Christmas.
Simpson insisted Good do it then so he’d be able to keep his annual family holiday trip.
Porter County Recorder Jon C. Miller had a family emergency and will take his oath of office later, Simpson said.