County leaders sworn in

A grueling campaign that ended in Bonnie Mager’s victory over a three-term county commissioner hasn’t made her comfortable in the spotlight.

With a crowd of about 100 people, including local leaders and her campaign supporters, Mager was sworn into office by District Court Judge Sara Derr in a brief ceremony Wednesday at the downtown Spokane Public Library.

“I’m kind of nervous, so that’s enough speeching,” Mager said after promising to work hard to live up to the standards of those who elected her.

She won’t officially become Commissioner Mager until Jan. 1, but state law allows the oath to be administered up to 10 days before taking office.

Taking the oath is required by state law before anyone assumes office. Leaders can choose any notary public to perform the ceremony.

Earlier Wednesday, four other county leaders were sworn in one-by-one in a Spokane County Courthouse courtroom.

Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich, Prosecutor Steve Tucker and County Clerk Thomas Fallquist were sworn in by Superior Court Judge Harold Clarke III. Superior Court Judge Paul Bastine swore in Treasurer Skip Chilberg.

Only Chilberg opted to address the small crowd of a couple dozen people, mostly family members of those elected.

He thanked Bob Wrigley, who ran against him in the November election, for agreeing to remain the chief deputy in his office.

Tucker wore a tuxedo to the ceremony. He had a simple explanation for his fancy attire:

“It only happens every four years,” said Tucker, who also wore the tux when he first was sworn into office eight years ago.

Assessor Ralph Baker, who is on vacation this week, was sworn in on Friday, said chief deputy assessor Kevin Best. District Court judges, also elected in November, will be sworn in next year.