Kingston takes oath of office, becomes city’s first new mayor in 36 years

by Melissa Martin

Jan. 2 city council organizational meeting

Mayor Daryl Kingston, with his wife, Nancy by his side, was sworn into office by Judge Pamela Barker, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio Jan. 2. Also in the audience were his three sons, Jack, Lucas and Blake, along with his parents and sister, who traveled from out of state for the occasion.

“I want to say thank you to the voters who put their trust in me and it’s not a responsibility I take lightly,” Kingston said following his swearing-in. “I promise to work hard for you each and every day. I was humbled by all the kind words of support and encouragement over the past several months, and I see many of you here tonight. Thank you.”

Kingston said much of the city’s success over the past 50 years has been the result of the relationship between the administration and city council.

“The cornerstone of my administration will be to continue this tradition of working collaboratively with city council to keep our residents safe, to manage growth and to always be improving on the high level of city services that our residents have come to expect,” he said.

Kingston also expressed his thanks to former Mayor Jerry N. Hruby.

“There is much to be said about your lifetime of service in the city, and we’ll be able to do just that when council brings you back next month to acknowledge all of your accomplishments and your career, but for tonight, I just want to say thank you for being my mentor and for being so gracious during this transition,” he said. “And above all, thank you for being such a good friend.”

Also sworn into office were newly elected council representatives Dan Bender and Mark Jantzen, along with Dominic Caruso and Ann Koepke, who were re-elected to another term.

Caruso was unanimously elected council president by his fellow city council members that night.

“I want to thank my fellow council members for entrusting me with this position,” said Caruso, who also thanked Hruby and a handful of former city council members for preparing him for the role he’s about to undertake. “It’s a big honor.”

Councilmember Beth Savage was named vice president of city council.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with the administration and city council to move the city forward,” Savage said upon thanking her colleagues for the appointment.

Council also acknowledged several long-term members of city boards and commissions who have stepped down. Council made several new appointments to boards and commissions. Those individuals were also sworn into office.

Kingston thanked all those who volunteered and were selected to fill the vacancies. He said the city will have additional volunteer opportunities later this year and that new volunteers are encouraged to submit applications. The city intends to keep applications on file of those who volunteered previously but were not selected. Those applications will be reviewed as additional seats become available. ∞

Photo: Brecksville Mayor Daryl Kingston, accompanied by his wife, Nancy (center), is administered the oath of office by Judge Pamela Barker. (Photo submitted.)