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New commissioners sworn in
Amos, Levent to take office Jan. 1
AMOS2 signing JD
District 1 Commissioner Pete Amos, right, signs the oath of office as Probate Court Judge Lynwood Jordan watches. - photo by Jim Dean
Forsyth County’s two newly elected commissioners made it official on Monday.During a swearing-in ceremony, District 1 Commissioner Pete Amos and District 3 Commissioner Todd Levent each took the loyalty oath and the oath of office.Repeating the lines read by Forsyth County Probate Court Judge Lynwood “Woody” Jordan, the men pledged their loyalty to the law and their promise to perform the duties of their positions.“I will so act as in my judgment that it will be most conducive to the welfare and best interests of the entire county,” both recited.Family members, friends, county staff and elected officials attended the ceremony, giving a standing ovation as each man finished.They will take office Jan. 1 and participate in their first public meeting five days later.For Amos, Monday’s ceremony was the culmination of a long journey.He ran for the seat in 2006, when he carried the district but lost the countywide vote to Commissioner Charles Laughinghouse, who this year chose not to seek re-election.This year’s contests for commission and school board featured the new district-only election format approved last year by the state.The setup, which voters supported in a July 2008 referendum, meant voting for the post was limited to residents of the particular district.Previously, candidates had to live in their district, but were elected countywide.District 1 includes some of Cumming and much of western Forsyth, while District 3 covers the county’s southwestern corner.“The day’s finally here,” Amos said. “As many of you know, I’ve looked forward to this for quite a few years ... I will work to improve our county, get it going again, keep our taxes low and keep it one of the best places to live.”Levent will replace Commissioner Jim Harrell, whose bid for a second term ended in the July primary.During his remarks, Levent said he is “excited” about starting his new position.“I hope to serve you as well as you expect me to,” he said.