New councilors sworn in; council elects president

The Westfir City Council administered oaths of office to newly seated councilors during its Jan. 6 meeting and then elected a council president for 2025.

City staff read the oath and guided the signing procedure; Richard Watson took the oath in the meeting chamber, repeating: "I, Richard Watson, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of The United States, the laws of the State of Oregon, and the ordinances of the City of Westford, and that I will faithfully discharge my duties as city councilor of the City Of Westford." The clerk instructed new members to provide identification and sign the written oath for recordkeeping.

Under the city charter, the council must elect a president at its first meeting of the year to preside when the mayor is absent. The clerk called for nominations, a motion was made to elect Councilor Healy, a second was recorded, and the council voted with the motion carrying.

Councilors discussed ongoing recruitment for open seats and noted orientation resources for new members, including a League of Oregon Cities seminar. The clerk said staff will provide email account setup instructions and records-retention guidance for members.

The council ended that portion of the meeting by encouraging interested residents to apply for vacant seats and by confirming the newly elected president would serve in the mayor’s absence.