News-Gazette Photo/Andrew Sullivan New Kissimmee City Commissioner Jose Alvarez takes his oath of office from Judge Jeffords Miller.

The will of the people became the face of the dais on Tuesday, as those who were elected or re-elected Nov. 6 to seats on the Board of County Commissioners and Kissimmee City Commission were sworn in, and in the case of two new city commissioners, took their seats.

Three members of the County Commission — Mike Harford, Brandon Arrington and Fred Hawkins Jr. — were re-elected to second terms, while Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan was sworn to another term and welcomed new Commissioners Jose Alvarez and Sara Shaw.

With the three re-elected County Commissioners, that board will look exactly the same as it has the last four years until at least 2014, when Frank Atkisson and Chairman John Quiñones run again for their seats.

Harford, who defeated Republican Paul Owen to keep his district 1 seat, had his brother Paul administer the oath of office.

“I’m extremely humbled as we continue to move forward. I’m also humbled that my fellow commissioners are still with me,” he said. “We’re working to move Osceola County forward for everyone and I believe we will continue to do that.”

Arrington, sworn in by Judge Jon B. Morgan, said that the margin of victory in his (he beat Jeffery Goldmacher with 77 percent of the vote) and fellow commissioners’ races served as a loud stamp of approval.

“There’s a level of service that the citizens of the county expect,” he said. “We still have a ways to go, but I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners as we move Osceola forward.”

Hawkins, who downed Chad Carnell in the election and had Jim Bauknight administer his oath, said he’s glad voters chose to keep the commission together to work as a cohesive unit.

“We’ve formed a bond, and I’m proud to serve this county with these guys,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the next four years. I’d really like to thank county staff for everything they do. They are phenomenal and always go above and beyond.”

The same board that led the county through the recent recession was chosen to be the same one to lead it through recovery, a fact not lost on Quiñones.

“This board is extremely professional, extremely independent and extremely non-partisan,” he said. “There’s always been a level of professionalism and it’s an honor serving with these gentlemen.”

At their next scheduled meeting on Dec. 3, the board will select a new chairman and vice chairman.

Kissimmee’s ceremony was a part of Tuesday’s meeting; Alvarez and Shaw took commission seats vacated by Art Otero and Jerry Gemskie, respectively, immediately after the swearing in and acted on city business.

Alvarez, who defeated Dave Scherer on Nov. 6 to win election, said his overriding emotions Tuesday were that he was “happy and humble” to serve the city. Judge Jeffords Miller swore him in.

“I am appreciative of those who voted for me and will vow to always listen to them,” he said.

Shaw, who finished in second behind Mike Delong in a six-way primary in August, rallied to beat Delong with 59.2 percent of the vote on Nov. 6. She gave thanks Tuesday to those who had a hand in her victory.

“Lots of people gave me wonderful advice, and now I tell people that it’s important to get involved in your community, because one person can make a difference,” she said. “The view from up there is very nice, different from all the time I spent in the crowd.”

Orange County Judge Faye Allen swore in Shaw.

News-Gazette Photo/Andrew Sullivan Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan is sworn into his second term by Judge Belvin Perry. His daughter Sharise and grandaughter Lindsey serve as his witnesses.

Swan, who faced no election opposition, paid a very heartfelt homage to his departed life Linda in his acceptance remarks after being sworn in by Judge Belvin Perry. They used her Bible to take his oath of office.

“My greatest supporter is still guiding me from heaven,” he said. “Because of that, I am honored to continue serving as this city’s mayor.”

The two new faces on the Kissimmee commission mean two others must leave. Gemskie and Otero said they would still be community minded and stay involved.

Otero left after one term to run for state House, but lost the district 43 race to Ricardo Rangel.

“I’ve told everyone from the city that this isn’t good bye, it’s see you later,” he said. “I leave with pride, and feel honored for the chance to do the work of people with the help of great city staff like the city manager and attorney. There are important boards in this city and I will be putting in some papers soon.”

City Manager Mike Steigerwald thanked Otero for his contributions, specifically for “all the economic development prospects brought to my door.

“You always had your heart at the forefront of Kissimmee, and its citizens will always be grateful,” he said.

Gemskie, who served two full terms in addition to serving from 1999-2000 at the end of former commissioner Steve Burke’s term, noted in his farewell remarks that he served with four different mayors, 10 commissioners, two city managers and one city attorney, Don Smallwood.

“It’s been my honor and privilege to serve and represent this city, and work among our employees who make this city an All-American City,” he said. “Kissimmee is a well-run city and as commissioners we had concerns, not complaints.

“To Sara and Jose, I say to enjoy this time, it’ll be the best time of your life. I know it was one of the best of mine.”

Steigerwald presented Gemskie with the Eagle Award, an honor presented to distinguished long-term commissioners, noting that the departing commissioner, who ran for County Commission seat 1 but failed to get out of the August Republican primary, was able to balance the seriousness of city issues with his own homespun levity.

“There hasn’t been a greater champion of city staff on the commission than Jerry,” he said. “May you never lose your humor.”

Fellow commissioner Cheryl Grieb, who sat next to Gemskie over the last six years, offered him parting gifts to that effect — a large ball of twine and a whoopee cushion.

Once the new board was all convened, Mayor Swan addressed it going forward.

“We have a lot of challenges in front of us. If we work together we will succeed,” he said.

On Monday, new School Board members Tim Weisheyer and Kelvin Soto, will be sworn in on Monday at 4:30 p.m. prior to the board’s regularly-scheduled 5:30 p.m. meeting.