New Vermilion County officeholders to be sworn in today
By: Tracy Moss
Monday, December 01, 2008
DANVILLE – For the first time in 23 years, Dennis Gardner won't be wearing a uniform to work today.
Gardner will be sworn in this morning as the new Vermilion County circuit clerk. Gardner and four other countywide officeholders, all elected Nov. 4, will be sworn during a 9 a.m. ceremony at the Vermilion County Courthouse in downtown Danville.
For most of his working career, Gardner has worn a uniform as an employee at the Danville Correctional Center or as a deputy for the Vermilion County Sheriff's department.
Gardner, who worked as the department's DARE officer, was involved in his last DARE class last week in the Bismarck-Henning school district.
That was bittersweet, Gardner said. But he's been looking forward to today when he starts his new role as the county's circuit clerk.
Gardner met last week with outgoing Circuit Clerk Sue Miller, who had decided against seeking another four-year term. Gardner said he has also met with the office supervisors and chief deputies to go over things.
"I'm going to walk in Monday and just observe," he said. "I'm not going to change anything. Nobody likes change, especially that quick."
Change will be the theme in the Vermilion County state's attorney's office as well as newly elected State's Attorney Randy Brinegar will be sworn in this morning. The other elected officials to be sworn in with Gardner and Brinegar were incumbents in last month's election and include Coroner Peggy Johnson, Auditor Linda Lucas-Anstey and Recorder Barbara Young.
Tonight, the newly elected members of the Vermilion County Board will be sworn in at the board's meeting at 6 in the Vermilion County Courthouse Annex, 6 N. Vermilion St., Danville.
Of the 27 seats on the county board, 15 were up for election on Nov. 4, but only one newcomer grabbed one of the available seats.
Joe Tamalunis, a Democrat from Georgetown, ran unopposed for the District 4 seat held by Robert McMurray, who decided against seeking another four-year term. The other 14 seats were won by incumbents, although it was the first time some were elected to their seats.
Vermilion County Circuit Court Judge Michael Clary will be swearing in the board members. Afterward, the board will reorganize by determining committee assignments and choosing a county board chairman.
Current board Chairman Jim McMahon, a Democrat who has held the full-time chairmanship for two years, is expected to be nominated for a second two-year stint. The Democrats have a majority on the board.
Tamalunis, who works at the Danville Correctional Center as a correctional industries superintendent, is looking forward to his new challenge as a board member.
"Overall, I think the county board is doing a very good job with what they have. With the money we have, we do well," he said.