Alachua County’s constitutional officers were sworn in Tuesday in front of a large crowd at the Judge Stephan P. Mickle Sr. Criminal Courthouse in downtown Gainesville.
The constitutional officers that were sworn in included Supervisor of Elections Kim Barton, Clerk of the Court J.K. “Jess” Irby, State Attorney for the Eighth Judicial Circuit Brian Kramer, Tax Collector John Power, Public Defender Stacy A. Scott, Property Appraiser Ayesha Solomon and Alachua County Sheriff Chad D. Scott.
“This is not just a job — it’s a calling,” Scott said. “When you know yourself, you will know your purpose.”
Scott was declared the winner of the sheriff’s race over incumbent Emery Gainey following a recount in November. Scott received 62,764 votes to Gainey’s 62,372.
Chad Scott takes his oath as Alachua County Sheriff during the Alachua Count’s constitutional officer swearing-in ceremony Tuesday afternoon.
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Scott thanked his family for their support during his 34-year law enforcement career and said he appreciated the support he received from people during his campaign.
“It was like a ministry talking to people to know what they expect out of law enforcement,” Scott said. “Seeing people come out and talk and use their time to help me — I’m grateful for that.”
Scott said his mission as sheriff consists of community policing, integrity, transparency, accountability, fairness and impartiality, and diversity and inclusivity.
“The agency has to reflect the community it serves,” Scott said. “I look forward to serving the community I grew up in. You have to have empathy to do this job.”
Incumbent Supervisor of Election Barton defeated Judith Jensen in November by receiving 62.15% of the vote
Barton said she kept the promise she made to the county’s residents when she was first elected in 2016.
“I will serve everyone regardless of party affiliation,” Barton said. “I see myself not as a politician, but as a servant to the citizens of Alachua County. It’s important to reflect on the promises I made, and I wanted to let you know that I kept my promise to you.”
Stacy A. Scott has been the public defender for 14 years and on Tuesday thanked the community and her staff for helping her on her journey.
“Thank you for the confidence you have placed in me to fulfill this role,” she said. “Our zealous representation of our clients is what keeps our process fair. Thank you for another four years. I will continue to fight for justice one case at a time”
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Chad Scott sworn in as sheriff of Alachua County Florida