Derek Lamont Coley sworn in to Maryland House of Delegates; pledges to serve residents

Derek Lamont Coley was sworn in as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates at a brief ceremony in the chamber where the presiding officer administered the oath of office and presented a certificate and a lapel pin identifying him as a member of the Maryland General Assembly.

Madam Speaker introduced Coley, praised him and noted County Executive Ayesha Brightboy among those in attendance. The presiding officer described the duties of a delegate and said Coley will join 141 members who work with the Senate and governor on laws affecting roughly 6,300,000 Maryland residents.

The oath was administered publicly. When prompted to state his name, Coley said, “Derek Lamont Coley,” and repeated the pledge to support the Constitution of the United States and the laws of the state and to execute the office of delegate diligently and without partiality. After the oath, Coley signed the certificate presented by the presiding officer; the certificate was noted as signed by the governor and the secretary of state.

In brief remarks, Coley thanked the presiding officer and County Executive Ayesha Brightboy for their support and introduced family members present, including his mother, Dorita Coley, and his children. He described his background in county government and work with Bowie State University and the Higher Education Commission and said, “Being of service to the people in this great state is a solemn obligation.”

The presiding officer presented Coley with a lapel pin identifying members of the Maryland General Assembly and reminded members the pin also serves practical access functions. Members in the chamber were asked to stand for recognition and photographs. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the signed certificate.

Coley will take his seat among delegates representing districts across the state; no legislative committee assignments or votes were announced during the ceremony.