Mark Nash sworn in as Edmond mayor; Preston Watterson and Phil Frey take council oaths
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Summary
Mark Nash was sworn in as mayor of Edmond in a ceremonial event that included oaths for two newly elected city councilors. Nash outlined immediate priorities — including budget reform and a streets program review — and asked the council to pass a budget within three meetings.
Judge Slayton administered the oath of office to Mark Nash, who was sworn in as mayor of the City of Edmond during a city ceremony that also included the swearing-in of newly elected councilors Preston Watterson (Ward 3) and Phil Frey (Ward 4). The event included an invocation led by Daniel Flowers and closed with a reception at the Public Safety Center.
The ceremony was brief and largely ceremonial, but Nash used his remarks to set immediate priorities for the new council. "Our first and most urgent task is reforming the way we manage our city finances," Mayor Mark Nash said, urging a more transparent and citizen-understandable budget process. Nash told attendees that "in the limited time we have — just 3 council meetings — we must pass a budget that reflects our values and sets a strong foundation for the future."
Nash also said the council would evaluate the city's streets program to determine the level of investment needed for an aligned improvement plan and emphasized improving city communications and the local business climate. He said the council should "dismantle the notion that Edmond is a difficult place to do business" and create systems that promote opportunity, innovation and growth.
Councilor Preston Watterson, Ward 3, gave brief remarks after his oath, saying he was "humbled by the confidence" voters placed in him and urging the community to come together. "It's an honor to be up here and I'm humbled by the confidence y'all have in me and the others," Watterson said, adding he ran for office because he loves Edmond and wants to help the city "continue to thrive."
Councilor Phil Frey, Ward 4, reflected on his long ties to Edmond and the responsibility of office. "What a privilege, what a responsibility," Frey said, noting family roots in the community and urging celebration of the city's achievements while continuing to address remaining challenges.
The ceremonial portion included the standard oath language referencing the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma and the Charter of the City of Edmond, recited as part of each oath. A reception at the Public Safety Center's Matt Terry Hall followed the ceremony, and Mayor Nash adjourned the event.
No formal votes or policy enactments occurred during the ceremony; Nash's statements laid out intended priorities and timelines for the council's upcoming work but did not constitute formal council action.
