OGDEN -- Mayor Mike Caldwell officially took office, and Neil Garner was named chairman of the city council Tuesday, marking a change in municipal leadership.
Caldwell, who succeeds Matthew Godfrey as mayor, was sworn in Tuesday during a ceremony at the Ogden Municipal Building before a standing-room-only crowd.
Caldwell thanked Godfrey for the decade of passion and new direction that he brought to the city as mayor.
Caldwell said one of his goals will be to harness the enthusiasm he witnessed on a freezing night in early 2002 when 46,000 people crowded the streets of Ogden to watch the Olympic torch carried through the city.
"I'm a big fan of the Emerson quote that 'what you do speaks so loudly, I can't hear what you say,'ââ" Caldwell said, adding he wants to be judged on his work.
Brandon Stephenson, who is leaving the city council after an unsuccessful run at the mayor's job himself, said he is grateful for the time during the campaign to get to know Caldwell.
"We think a lot alike," he said. "I have strong optimism for Ogden's future under Mayor Caldwell."
Incumbent City Councilwoman Amy Wicks and newly elected Councilman Richard Hyer, who replaces Stephenson, also were sworn in during Tuesday's ceremony.
In addition, the city council Tuesday night elected Garner as chairman and Councilman Bart Blair as vice chairman.
"I am personally grateful for the vote of support of my fellow council members and the support of my family as I begin service as the 2012 Ogden City Council chair," Garner said in a prepared statement. "The city council members are very dedicated to serving the citizens of Ogden, and I'm grateful for all of their efforts. I understand this position will require additional time and meetings, and I am dedicated to fulfilling these responsibilities. I look forward to the opportunity to work with Vice Chair Bart Blair and Mayor Mike Caldwell as we pursue the betterment of Ogden."
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