EDMOND —
Wednesday brought the swearing-in ceremony for three office holders of Oklahoma County government.
Oklahoma County District Judge Donald Deason presided as Republican County Clerk Carolynn Caudill, Democrat Sheriff John Whetsel and Republican Court Clerk Tim Rhodes began their first official days in office this year.
“We’ve laid a good blueprint that we’ve established over the years, but I think we’re ready to blaze some new trails,” Rhodes said.
His office will continue to become more efficient, he said, by getting out of the paper business and into the digital world.
Whetsel said his department will continue to be proactive in solving crime issues and working traffic issues in unincorporated areas.
“One of the new challenges we are taking now is how do we best protect ... our schools,” Whetsel said. “In the unincorporated we will be meeting with Deer Creek schools to make sure our response and reactions are appropriate.”
Whetsel said he is currently reviewing recommendations for a new jail and will be making recommendations to Oklahoma County commissioners in a few weeks. The county will also be expanding its senior citizens programs.
Also, the Board of Oklahoma County Commissioners on Wednesday unanimously elected District 3 Commissioner Ray Vaughn, R-Edmond, as chairman and District 1 Commissioner Willa Johnson, D-Oklahoma City, as vice chairwoman.
In county government, the chair and vice-chair serve in the position for a year. Elections for the two positions are held during the first meeting of the calendar year.
jcoburn@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 114
Local News
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PHOTO PROVIDED | OKLAHOMA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE With his wife Mitzi Whetsel by his side, Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel takes the oath of office Thursday morning from Judge Jerry Bass.
Discussion
Oklahoma County officers sworn in for 2013
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