The Harford County Council appointed Nolanda Roberts to fill the vacant District A council seat and administered her oath of office during the meeting. The council vote to appoint Roberts carried with six affirmative votes, one member absent and one seat vacant.

A motion to appoint Roberts was made and seconded; after discussion among council members praising the applicants and the selection process, the council voted. The clerk announced, “There being 6 in the affirmative, 1 absent, 1 vacant. The appointment of miss Nolanda Roberts is hereby approved for district A.”

Following the vote, Clerk of the Court Kozewski administered the oath of office. Roberts took the oath and was sworn in as councilmember for District A. Henry Gibbons, chair of the Harford Democratic Central Committee, offered public comment congratulating Roberts and urged her to represent all district residents: “You now represent all of the residents of district a, not just the Democrats, not just the Republicans, but the independents as well,” he said.

Council members welcomed Roberts and thanked all applicants who sought the seat. Several speakers praised the quality of the candidate pool and expressed confidence in Roberts’ ability to work with colleagues across the council. Roberts spoke briefly after being sworn in and thanked supporters and family; she said she looked forward to working with colleagues and the community.

The council proceeded with the meeting and noted upcoming events, including the county’s legislative/state of the county address scheduled for Jan. 14.