It's Official!
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Tuesday, January 8, 2008 | 
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No Comments [ Add Comment ]By Scott Schwebke
Standard-Examiner staff
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By Scott Schwebke
Standard-Examiner staff
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By Scott Schwebke
Standard-Examiner staff
OGDEN -- New city council members Blain H. Johnson and Caitlin K. Gochnour officially took office Monday, promising to become quickly engaged in improving Ogden.
"I look forward to working with all the capable and dedicated people in the community," said Gochnour, who will represent Ward 4, after being sworn in during a 30-minute ceremony at the Municipal Building.
Gochnour said she hopes to help the city reduce crime, bolster its economic base and, most importantly, assist the city council in improving communications within its own ranks and with the administration.
"I think that (improving communications) is huge for everybody," she said.
Gochnour, who lists her occupation as a community volunteer, was elected Nov. 6, defeating challenger Kent B. Petersen. She succeeds Rick Safsten, who didn't seek re-election to the Ward 4 seat.
Safsten told those at Monday's ceremony he enjoyed serving on the council, adding that the job often involved tough decisions that were sometimes opposed by residents.
"You never make everyone happy," he said.
Johnson, an attorney who defeated Sheila Aardema in the election to win the council's at-large Seat A, said he felt like a "deer caught in headlights."
"I have no idea what's coming at me," he told those who attended the swearing-in ceremony.
Johnson said one of his main goals will be to foster unity between the city council and the administration. "It is up to all of us to pull together to work with the administration and work together for the community," he said.
Mayor Matthew Godfrey also took the oath of office for a third term. He thanked his family for their support and expressed gratitude to voters who have given his administration "another four years to do some pretty exciting things."
City Councilwoman Susan Van Hooser, defeated by Godfrey in the election, congratulated the mayor on winning another term. She described her tenure on the council as the most rewarding and frustrating adventure of her life.
In other matters Monday, Councilman Brandon Stephenson, who ran unopposed for the municipal Ward 2 seat, and at-large Seat C Councilwoman Amy Wicks, who defeated challenger Royal S. Eccles to win a third term, were also sworn in.
Wicks was chosen by fellow council members as chairwoman, and Councilman Doug Stephens was named vice chairman.
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