Three New Broward Commissioners Sworn In
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - It was big day for three commissioners-elect in Broward County as they were officially sworn into office.
In the November general elections, Chip LaMarca won the seat representing District 4 which is spread out over a dozen cities including Ft. Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Hollywood and Pompano Beach. LaMarca was sworn in by U.S. Senator George LeMieux. As a Republican, LaMarca said he's well aware of the national sentiment regarding the GOP and plans to put politics aside to work with his fellow commissioners.
"I'm not here to play antagonist but to bring ideas and insight to this dais. If you're looking for the politics of division, you're looking at the wrong person," said LaMarca.
Barbara Sharief, another new commissioner elected to fill the District 8 seat, was sworn in by her husband Maxwell Chambers.
Dale Holness, who will represent District 9, was sworn in by Art Kennedy, Chief of Staff to U.S. Representative Alcee Hastings.
Also being sworn in for a new term were returning commissioners Kristin Jacobs and Sue Gunzburger.
All of the new commissioners, along with Gunzburger and Jacobs, campaigned on the themes of fixing the local economy and bringing jobs to the county. Holness said one thing he'd like to see is Broward increase its position as trade leaders in the Caribbean and Latin America.
"We have tremendous opportunities with a wonderful port and a great airport that will be expanded. We need to utilize those tools to ensure that we open up our markets throughout the world, but particularly with Latin America and the Caribbean," said Holness.
After the commissioners are sworn, their first order of business was to select a new Mayor and Vice Mayor. Gunzburger was selected to be the Mayor and Commissioner John Rodstrom will serve as Vice Mayor through November 2011.
