Orting mayor sworn in as council and officer oaths mark Jan. 14 meeting

Scott Brennan was publicly sworn in as mayor at the Orting City Council meeting on Jan. 14, 2026, with a judge administering oaths for the mayor, newly seated council members and a police officer. The ceremony followed a resident’s question about an earlier online swearing and preceded routine council business.

The mayor told the assembled council and residents that restoring trust would be a top priority. "A council has no strength as an individual. It has strength as a team," Brennan said. He outlined a "first 100 days" focus on assessing operations, refurbishing infrastructure, and renewing relationships with staff and the community.

The public portion of the meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance led by Councilmember Ed Torres and a public comment from Benjamin Ramirez of Orting, who asked why there appeared to have been an earlier online swearing-in. Brennan responded that a new state law enacted this year allows continuity of authority starting Jan. 1 so somebody can sign emergency documents until a public swearing-in is held, and confirmed the public ceremony that evening would formalize the office.

The oaths were administered in sequence for multiple council positions and for a police officer. The mayor used the occasion to urge lowered expectations for perfection and to emphasize collaborative work: "Expect setbacks, accept failures… but this body is gonna work diligently to overcome and aspire to being the best servants to you as citizens of Orting."

The meeting moved from ceremonial items into the regular agenda after the swearing-in and remarks.