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New Year's Day in Kokomo featured swearing in ceremonies for 2023 election winners. The Howard County Republicans gathered at Kokomo City Hall for a lengthy swearing-in ceremony, including Kokomo Common Council members, Mayor Tyler Moore, Howard Superior Court II Judge Rebecca Vent, and members of the Russiaville Town Council.
And, for the first time in eight years, the Howard County Democrats welcomed one of their own to city government, as newly-elected 2nd District Councilman Bob Stephenson was sworn in at a ceremony at the Radish Café in downtown Kokomo.
A packed house at City Hall was delighted by a visit from Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales, who congratulated the new officials and encouraged citizens to interact with his office.
“I'm here to say congratulations to the newly elected local elected officials,” said Morales. “My job is to work with you and to run free and fair elections for all. We want everybody to be part of our election process. My job is to ask you, how can I help? Please come and visit your Secretary of State's office. It’s your house. Come and see us.”
Stephenson opted not to celebrate with the Republicans, though it wasn’t a political decision.
“The reason I chose to be here instead of the swearing in that took place earlier this morning is this,” said Stephenson. “One of the things I want to do is encourage local businesses, to support local businesses like the Radish because that's what makes Kokomo, Kokomo.
"We can get every chain to come into town, and then it looks like McGalliard (Road) in Muncie and Scatterfield (Road) in Anderson. I have an awful lot of small businesses in my district, and I want them to be successful."
Around 60 people showed up for the ceremony, which was officiated by Howard County Election Board member Derrick Steele.
Most of the Republicans were sworn in by Howard Superior Court III Judge Doug Tate. However, by special request, Circuit Court Judge Lynn Murray – a Democrat – swore in Kokomo Common Councilman Ray Collins. Before the swearings-in took place, Howard County Republican Party Chairwoman Jennifer Jack acknowledged the outgoing city council members.
“I just want to thank our outgoing City Council officials for the service that they spent on the council leading up to the end of the year,” said Jack. “Thank you for the tireless service that you've given to the City of Kokomo over the last four years. We appreciate that the city is better because of their service.”
Stephenson also thanked the UAW and other union locals for their support during the city election, and for allowing him to speak to their membership at union rallies.
"We would not have done it without their support," stated Stephenson.
Stephenson especially thanked his wife, Tonya. "She got me elected," he said with a smile, "She is a superstar in politics."
As for the Republicans, they intend to build on their strong showing in the municipal election by performing well in the county-wide election this year.
“We're gonna hit the ground running and make the next four years the best four years for the City of Kokomo and Howard County,” said Jack. “On Jan. 10, we start filing for this next election cycle. We're gonna keep up the good work and keep moving forward. Don't let it stop today. Join us on our GOP train as we keep chugging down the road.”