Hiram – This week brought unprecedented cooperation for the Hiram community. For the first time ever, the village and township officials were sworn in at the same ceremony. The township proudly welcomed its new Fiscal Officer, Stan Carlisle II and Township Trustee, Jack Groselle. Hiram Village’s Mayor Lou Bertrand and Council member Paul Spencer were sworn in to new terms. Frank Hemphill was sworn in for the first time.
The ceremony was held at the historic Garfield Meeting House on the Hiram College campus. Tom Chema, President of Hiram College offered opening remarks about the true meaning of Christmas and reminded the crowd that President James A. Garfield preached in the building where the crowd gathered.
This cooperation is in stark contrast to the fierce legal bought fought by the township against the college and the village. Mr. Chema emphasized working cooperatively at the local level, reminding the crowd that partisan politics has no place in local government.
Differences of political perspectives were nowhere to be seen at this celebration. The newly-elected officials and their families smiled and exchanged holiday greetings with the small crowd. The crowd was comprised of friends, family, neighbors, U.S. veterans, other elected officials. Light refreshments were served following the ceremony. During this mingling, the new officials shared their enthusiasm for progress in local government in the new year to come.
