As the new year rolls in, it brings with it numerous newly elected officials being sworn in across Texas. In Amarillo, longtime Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner officiated an early-morning ceremony Wednesday at the Potter County Courthouse for several reelected officials, including John Coffee and H.R. Kelly. Tanner, who has performed Jan. 1 oaths since 2013, said the tradition of swearing in public servants on the first day of the year underscores both their responsibility and the symbolic nature of a fresh start.
Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner, right, administers the oath of office to Commissioner John Coffee on New Year’s Day at the Potter County Courthouse in Amarillo.
“It’s kind of a passage,” Tanner said. “You were elected to take the oath and do your best job. Doing it on the first day of the year is fun for the families, and it’s become a special part of the process.”
Meanwhile, Randall County officials including the sheriff gathered at Trinity Fellowship to take their oaths, highlighting the widespread practice of holding swearing-in ceremonies on New Year’s Day. This custom gives newly elected and reelected leaders a clear-cut date to officially begin their duties.
Commissioner HR Kelly takes his oath of office from Judge Nancy Tanner New Year’s Day at the Potter County Courthouse in Amarillo.
“It’s something I really love doing,” Tanner said, noting she had also administered oaths for the Potter County sheriff and staff earlier that morning at the Santa Fe Building. “I did the sheriff’s ceremony at 8 o’clock, spent some time visiting, then came over here to do these two fine gentlemen.”
Both Coffee and Kelly, who were re-elected in November, said the Jan. 1 ceremony reaffirms their pledge to serve the community.
“Whoever wants their office knows this is part of the process,” Tanner said. “It’s important to recognize their commitment right when the new year begins.”
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Potter County swears in officials Jan. 1 among Texas official events