Newly Elected Take Their Oaths of Office in Prowers County

Prowers County Courthouse

While the transition of political power plays out under national view in Washington, D.C., the same democratic procedures took place on a smaller, but no less important scale in Prowers County earlier this week. The oath of office was given to newly elected and re-elected officials at the county courthouse on Tuesday January 10^th.

15^th District Court Judge, Michael Davidson, who was sworn into office last year by fellow judge, Stanley Brinkley, returned the favor by administering the oath of office to Brinkley who was re-elected to serve another term following the November General Election.

Judges Davidson and Brinkley

Judge Davidson recollected how he began working with Judge Brinkley about 20 years ago when he began his practice and how, as a younger lawyer, he appreciated Brinkley’s guidance. He also acknowledged Judge Brinkley’s work ethic and ability to handle cases involving criminal and family law as well as civil litigation.  He said he respected Brinkley’s professionalism as he remained impartial when overseeing cases, while still championing the rule of law as it applied to them.

District Atty Joshua Vogel

Judge Brinkley swore in the new District Attorney, Joshua Vogel, who is replacing Jennifer Swanson at the conclusion of her eight years in the DA’s office. Swanson was term limited.  Vogel said he intended to live up to the standards she set and would be certain that if people were not happy with the outcome of some of his rulings; they would at least be satisfied.

Commissioner Buxton-Andrade

Commissioner Wendy Buxton-Andrade took her oath of office for the second time, serving District 3 in the county. This will mark her second term as she was elected without opposition in the recent general election.  Buxton-Andrade is the first woman to hold a commissioner’s seat in the county and following her first term, she was presented with the CCI Commissioner of the Year Award for her outstanding contributions.  The award recognizes a commissioner who goes beyond their county level to devote additional time in the service of the statewide county association.

District 1 County Commissioner Tom Grasmick

Newly elected commissioner, Tom Grasmick, also received his oath of office. He is replacing Henry Schnabel who served two terms in office, representing District 1 in Prowers County.  Grasmick said, “I’m excited about working with the commissioners and will do what I can to help move our county forward.  I hope I can look back in four years’ time and see that I have made some genuine contributions.”

A general reception for all the elected officials was held following the ceremonies at the courthouse. The next regular meeting of the Prowers County Commissioners will be Tuesday, January 17^th.  At the close of the year the commissioners decided to move their regular meeting date from Monday to Tuesday to better accommodate their varied schedules and responsibilities.

By Russ Baldwin