A ceremony at Stow City Hall on Monday evening brought the city's newly seated law director and seven council members before Judge Lisa Coates to take their oaths of office.

Drew Carl Riley repeated the law director's oath, saying, "I, Drew Carl Riley, do hereby solemnly affirm ... that I will uphold the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Ohio, the charter of the City of Stow, and otherwise all the laws of the land," and pledged to perform his duties "faithfully and impartially." Judge Coates administered the oath.

The ceremony continued with all council members raising their right hands and repeating the prescribed oath to uphold those same constitutions and the Stow City charter.

Why it matters: The oaths formalize the start of new terms for the city's law director and council members, after an election season that left some incumbents unopposed and others in contested races. City leaders said they plan to organize the council leadership and begin work on priorities for 2026.

Several newly sworn officials offered brief remarks thanking family, supporters and constituents. Drew Riley thanked his wife, son and parents and said he was "fortunate" to have run unopposed this year and looked forward to serving another two-year term. John Baranek thanked Ward 3 residents for their support and said he intends to serve in a nonpartisan manner. Kim Young, who won a contested race, thanked campaign volunteers and said she looks forward to working with the council.

Other council members voiced similar gratitude and a readiness to govern. Kyle Herman reflected on the challenges and potential of 2026 and said the city's strong local community gives him confidence they "find a way to work together." Mario Fioka noted this marked his fourth term and pledged to continue working for Ward 4 and the broader Stow community. Kyle Feldman acknowledged relatives in the audience and recalled his late mother, saying, "She died Oct. 13 but she was a happy, kind, and an accepting person that believed in respect."

An invocation opened and closed the ceremony; Pastor Rick McKee asked that the sworn officials be made "wise" and "selfless" in their public service.

Next steps: The presiding official announced the council would reconvene at 7:00 p.m. in the same chambers for a brief organizational meeting to select a council president, vice president and pro tem for the new term.

No formal votes on policy or budget matters were taken at the ceremony.