From Harford County government:
Surrounded by family, friends and supporters, Harford County Executive David R. Craig took the oath of office for a second four year term on Monday, December 6, 2010. Joining Craig for the inaugural ceremony were Harford County Council President William K. “Billy” Boniface, and Council members Dion Guthrie, Joe Woods, James McMahan, Richard Slutzky, Chad Shrodes and Mary Ann Lisanti.
The inauguration ceremony was held on the grounds of the historic Harford County Court House on Main Street in Bel Air. Approximately 300 elected officials, guests, campaign workers and supporters attended the 30 minute ceremony. The oath of office was administered by James Reilly, Clerk of the Court for Harford County.
News Channel 2 morning anchor Jamie Costello served as the Master of Ceremonies. The colors were presented by members of the 143rd Ordnance Battalion from the Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Eagle Scout Stephen Spoerl led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, which was immediately followed by the National Anthem performed by the Fallston Belles from Fallston High School.
Rev. Dr. Ray Roberson, of the Havre de Grace United Methodist Church, the church of the Craig family, offered the invocation.
County Executive Craig’s wife Melinda held the family Bible as Craig too the oath of office. The County Executive was followed in order by President Boniface and each member of the County Council as they took the oath of office.
Upon conclusion of the County Executive’s remarks, the Fallston Belles performed America the Beautiful. The group later performed God Bless America prior to the conclusion of the ceremony.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Rev. Mr. Victor Petrosino of St. Margaret Catholic Church in Bel Air offered the benediction.
During his remarks, County Executive Craig cited Pericles when he stated, “If one has a great aim to pursue, the burden must be accepted. I humbly accept the position, the duties and the responsibilities as your county executive.” Later during his remarks, the county executive stated, “I have served with the belief that leadership of government is similar to a guardianship and that it must be done in the light of what is best not for the leaders, but for the people who placed them there.”
The inauguration was significantly scaled back from the past five inaugural ceremonies which took place at Harford Community College, which resulted in a substantial cost savings to taxpayers compared to previous inaugural events.
The County Executive will announce his Cabinet within the next two weeks. Among the changes will be a new Director of Administration and new Director of the Department of Community Services.
Todd Holden says
well, yes, it was scaled back a little, but i’m sure the reception at Lireodendron, which was catered by Larrapin Grille from Havre de Grace, cost a couple bucks.
But, hey, the swells and the pols have to eat after a swearing in…right?
belairfed says
clark can afford it.
RinoHunter says
Does David Craig reward political operatives with high paying county jobs? Does anyone have any information on how Scott Gibson became the Director of Human Resources? Did Gibson have the prerequisite experience for that position?
concerned farmer says
Mary Lisanti was the only county council person that did not vote and questioned his lack of experience. He is still not a certified Human Resource Person. He had to complete five years before he could sit for the test. Go figure!! At least Mary Lisanti is watching out for our best interest. You should see his list of employees that he has fired, not to mention the employees that have been written up and some forced out of postions.
RinoHunter says
Concerned Farmer
I’ve attended many of the Council Meetings. Mary Lisanti seems to be the brightest and most sincere of the bunch. I suspect the Boniface and a couple of the other members are nothing but part of the good ole boys network and will go along with anything that Craig suggests.
Scott Gibson is proof of Dave Craig’s incompetence. Craig was a registered Democrat at one time. He really doesn’t have the needed business savy to run the County in a fiscally conservative way. The proof is in Craig’s budgets over his term.
david roadhouse says
Yes, Scott Gibson did have the requirements to fill a position in Craig’s administration–Gibson’s parents and the Craigs are ex-neighbors and good friends. So Scottie, in all his wondrous bow-tied glory, falls under Craig’s family and friends plan, the #1 requirement to gain such a lofty and well-paying position. It’s obvious the little SOB has none of the requirements that any other employee would normally need to qualify for such a position.
RinoHunter says
David Roadhouse
Based on David Craig’s Fiscal record, I knew he wasn’t much of a business man. During the budget crises and property tax hearings it became clear that Craig lacks any kind of leadership skills.
However, as I dig deeper, it is apparent that Craig’s only role in office is for self gain. As evidenced by Scott Gibson and Craig’s massive pay increases, Craig has no business at all being in office.
Lets keep building our files for when Craig tries to run for Governor in 2014.
don mitrovich says
Was I just imagining things or did David Craig’s inauguration seem like a dress rehearsal of a future gubernatorial bid?
Two business days of labor by county employees to build a stage, hang rented bunting, have three members of a SWAT team and bomb-sniffing dog on hand, forces the question – where’d the money come from? If it came from County taxpayers, that money might have been better spent on County workers who have not seen an increase in pay for three years.
If the cost was borne out of Craig’s surplus campaign fund, it still seems like a costly way to stroke an ego. Do you suppose a local food bank would have appreciated a sizeable contribution this time of year?
RinoHunter says
Don Mitrovich
David Craig proves over and over again that he is in it for no one but himself.
Leadership ability = ZERO
RINO Hunter says
So someone creative decided to commandeer my handle. Nice. I leave the Dagger for a few months and this is what happens. Cheers!