County Manager Cindy Chavez presided over an oath-of-office ceremony Jan. 1 at the Bernalillo County Administrative Center in Albuquerque, where five newly elected county officials, several district and metropolitan judges and a slate of appointed deputies took their oaths.

"Today is a day of celebration, and we're honored to have the oath of office being celebrated here at the county," Chavez said in opening remarks, thanking judges, sheriff's office staff and county employees for participating.

The ceremony formally sworn in five elected officials: Frank Baca as commissioner for District 2; Adrienne Barboa for District 3; Walt Benson for District 4; Michelle Kavanaugh as county clerk; and Tim Eichenberg as county treasurer. Retired Supreme Court Justice Edward Chavez administered the oath to Frank Baca. Baca, who described his family history and ties to communities in the South Valley and other neighborhoods in the district, said, "I have been given much, and now is my turn to give back."

Adrienne Barboa, beginning a second term, said she was "committed to continue to hold robust opportunities for community health care professionals, peer support workers, community health workers, our firefighters, and all our frontline workers to have a voice in holding our government to its true potential." Walt Benson, sworn in for his second term, said the priorities that will guide his votes are whether a proposal "create[s] jobs and decrease[s] crime." County Clerk Michelle Kavanaugh thanked family and supporters and pledged to "live every day, trying to earn" residents' trust. County Treasurer Tim Eichenberg said he would "work hard to protect your money."

The ceremony also included the swearing-in of judicial officers. District Court judges Cindy Laios (Division 9) and David Murphy (Division 30) took the oath administered by the presiding judge of the 2nd Judicial District. Chief Judge Joshua Sanchez swore in four Metropolitan Court judges: Azra Elliott (Division 1), Renee Torres (Division 3), Rosemary Cosgrove Aguilar (Division 7) and Yvette Gonzalez (Division 9).

Several appointed deputies were sworn into office: Kelly Baca and Denine Morales Phan (deputy clerks) and Linda Stover and Ryan Travalstead (deputy treasurers). Each repeated the standard oath affirming support for the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution and laws of the State of New Mexico.

Chavez closed by thanking the event committee and county staff who organized the ceremony and invited attendees to a reception in the lobby. Photographers and staff were recognized for arranging the event and helping with a post-ceremony reception and photos.

Next steps: the newly sworn officials will assume the duties of their offices and take part in upcoming county meetings and processes; the county manager and officials encouraged the public to follow regular county schedules for hearings, meetings and services.