New city officials sworn into office

CRESTVIEW — New mayor J.B. Whitten, as well as city council members Cynthia Brown and Andrew Rencich, were sworn into office Monday night.

Former mayor David Cadle gave the elected officials words of wisdom as they begin their new positions.

“We may speak of the growth and the changes in Crestview in the past few years, but it is now time to look forward to advances in our city, such as continued growth that will overshadow all that has gone before,” said Cadle. “It is easy to understand why people wish to live here with us.”

Okaloosa County Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel also offered words of wisdom to the new elected officials. Ketchel gave a few characteristics of how a mayor and councilman should act, which included being fair, patient and kind.

“Do not neglect those who have supported you thus far,” said Ketchel. “Remember the imperative of maintaining a balanced life. That will be a challenge with your new leadership duties.

“You have joined a long line of dedicated officials who have served as the mayor and as the council people of the city of Crestview,” added Ketchel. “I charge you to undertake your duties with a song in your heart and a smile on your face.”

Judge Terrance Ketchel administered the oath of office to the new city officials.

“We are excited to be serving you, the people,” said new city councilwoman Cynthia Brown. “We all want your input. I thank you all so much for your support.”

“I’m honored and privileged to fulfill this role within the city government of Crestview,” said new city councilman Andrew Rencich. “This city over the last six months has shown that it wants change. Moving forward, with the assistance of the new city manager, that change will be here. ”

New mayor J.B. Whitten had his wife, Anne, and his family by his side as he gave his first remarks in the new position.

“I gave kind of a long dissertation the other night of what I saw as a new view for Crestview and I sincerely mean that,” said Whitten. “We have an opportunity to go down a new path that we haven’t been down before.”

Whitten gave a synopsis of his speech from Friday night’s town hall meeting. He then thanked outgoing councilmen Bill Cox and Doug Faircloth and outgoing city attorney Ben Holley for their work and dedication to the city.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New city officials sworn into office