City officials take oath of office

Authored by Jim Langham on Dec 28, 2011

Incoming Councilman At-Large Philip Provost said following Tuesday evening's official swearing in ceremonies at Swiss Village that it is his hope to provide more opportunities for Berne residents to express their feelings to the town government. Provost, new on the council, said that he is excited to get to work at this point.
"Our motto is, 'teamwork,'" said Provost. "We are ready to work together. I've thought of seeing what can be done to get some referendums to see what can be done to get the people involved. I would like to see the residents of this town take ownership, to get more involved in the decision making process of our community."
Provost said that he wants to see an open dialogue between the residents and the council, with anyone feeling free to call a council member at any time about a need, concern or idea.
"We're willing to listen to all ideas," said Provost. "You never know when the next idea coming from someone could be just what is needed at that time."
Among those sworn into office for the coming year were Bill McKean, Mayor; Gwendolyn Maller, Clerk-Treasurer; Curtis Wurster, Councilman District One; Gregg Sprunger, Councilman District Two; Mark Wynn, Councilman District Three; Ron Dull, Councilman District Four; and Provost, Councilman At-Large.
Lehman, State Representative from this area, said that when he was elected, people would ask him what he looked forward to the most. Lehman said that he replied that it would be things that gave greater dimension to the realization that we are a self-governed nation.
"One of the greatest things about our government is that we are self-governed," said Lehman, who said he considered it a supreme honor to be part of the swearing in ceremony.
"People have to simply have a heart to serve," said Lehman. "You don't have to be astute, wealthy, or any certain way to represent the people."
"I had the privilege of going to Indianapolis for a few days for mayor's school," said McKean. "I talked to different mayors down there and it made me more aware than ever what a privilege it is to have the council I do to work with.
Initially, they asked about how many Democrats and Republicans there were.
"They said that this is the last time that you will hear those words. They won't be there; everyone is working together," McKean said. "That's how I feel. We're coming together to work together, regardless of background. We have a good council and we are fortunate to have one of the best clerk-treasurers (Maller) in the state."
Initially, McKean introduced his pastor, Pastor Jeff Linthicum, of the First Mennonite Church, to make a few remarks and to open in prayer.
"What a privilege to do this," said Linthicum. "That's not only because I have the opportunity to pray, but because we have a council that understands that it is serving the community under the authority of God. There is something great about an official who recognizes direct responsibility to God and one who knows that in the end, that responsibility will be answered before God."
Linthicum told those present that the Book of Romans admonishes citizens to pray for those who have authority over them.
"Thank God that we live in a country where we can choose an official and then understand and acknowledge that they are responsible to you," said Linthicum.
"Lord, place them in your hands. May they find themselves on their knees to look up to you for wisdom," prayed Linthicum. "May they bring your honor and glory to this community."
At the closing, McKean said that he had asked long-time missionary and pastor, Rev. Gareth Wiederkehr, to close in prayer. McKean said that he had deep respect for Wiederkehr's heart of prayer. He also noted that Wiederkehr would be leaving this week to spend a few weeks in an area where he once served in Africa.
"What an honor it is for us to come into your presence at this time," said Wiederkehr in his prayer. "You have given us much to be thankful for, including the birth of Jesus which we celebrate. Thank you for the service of Mayor Minch and his team; be with Mayor McKean and his team."
Wiederkehr concluded his remarks by referring to the words, "faith," and "heritage," on the Swiss Clock Tower.
"That stands for the faith of our founding fathers and our ancestors who came over here. That is why our ancestors came over here to escape from religious persecution," said Wiederkehr. "That is why we sing the song, 'Faith of Our Fathers'."

share


You need to be logged in to post comments on this article.