Jefferson City saw the transition of power Monday as a new municipal judge and five council members took the oath of office.
City Council members David Kemna with Ward 1; Laura Ward with Ward 2; Scott Spencer with Ward 3; Derrick Spicer with Ward 4; and Mark Schreiber with Ward 5 were sworn in during Monday night's meeting.
Municipal Judge Scott Evans was sworn in Monday morning at the Cole County Courthouse. Judge Cotton Walker performed the ceremony.
"With Judge Walker ascending to circuit judging in January and having such a long history as the municipal judge for the city, I just felt it was appropriate that he'd be the one to do it," Evans said.
Evans is hitting the ground running with a full docket Wednesday, but he also has other projects to work on.
"I know that we are working on our transition to an online system right now, and that is going to be a priority for the court right now," he said.
The virtual system is one Evans talked about during his campaign and would include an online system for those going before the court to see where their case is at, what they need to do and other pertinent information. Next it will be looking at alternative court times, he said.
Kemna was voted to serve as pro tempore for the council.
Ken Hussey, former Ward 3 councilman, said it was a little sad to wrap up his time on the council, but he hopes he made a difference through the work he did during his eight years.
"It's been an honor. I'm going to miss it," he said. "I've really enjoyed it. It's bittersweet where I'm looking forward to a little bit more free time, but at the same time, it'll be sad not being here on the council, and I hope I've made a positive impact."
Carlos Graham, former Ward 4 councilman, echoed Hussey's statement and said he's been able to meet a lot of people he otherwise wouldn't have.
"It's been truly a blessing to me, and I hope and pray that I was a blessing and also a person that did not have an agenda," he said. "My agenda was to make sure that workforce voices were heard. Now, I do understand that sometimes they agree with a stance you have, but you have to take a stand. After a big vote, and able to tell people the reason you voted the way you did. I think they respect that more than anything."
Spencer and Spicer, who is starting his first term, said they're ready and eager to get working.
"The hard work paid off," Spencer said.
The two agreed they feel as prepared as they can be after having meetings with various department directors and getting up to speed on procedures and issues on the table.
"Now the real work begins," Spicer said. "We're just excited to be part of the discussion. We just want to represent our wards the best we can."
Spicer said they're still meeting with department directors. Both will serve on the public safety committee, Spicer will also serve on the finance committee and Spencer will be on the public works and planning committee.
"We're just ready to get to work on other issues, whether it be the parking garage, whether it be a any issues with public safety, public works, those kinds of things," he said. "Our wards, they want to see some action done on some infrastructure needs and getting some streets repairs and sidewalks and curb and gutter and stormwater issues so that's what we hope to address in the near future."