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New mayor, councilwoman take office

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Monda Williams, left, newly elected to Washington City Council, embraces District Judge Traci McDonald-Kemp after being sworn in by McDonald-Kemp inside council chambers Monday morning.

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Monda Williams, newly elected to Washington City Council, is sworn in by District Judge Traci McDonald-Kemp inside council chambers Monday morning.

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Scott Putnam, new mayor of Washington, is sworn in Monday by Washington County Judge John F. DiSalle in council chambers.

Monday’s reorganization meeting in City Hall signaled a major changing of the guard as a new mayor, councilwoman and police chief were sworn in.

Mayor Scott Putnam, Councilwoman Monda Williams and police Chief Robert Wilson took office along with incumbents, Councilman Kenneth Westcott, Treasurer Dennis L. Adams and Controller Nicholas Dubina Sr. They were sworn in by Washington County Judge John DiSalle and district judges Robert Redlinger and Traci McDonald-Kemp.

“Not being from Washington – I’ve only lived here for 15 years – I’ve adopted this city as my hometown,” Putnam said. “I’ve seen a lot of people …. that are so proud to be from the City of Washington and to live in the City of Washington. I have that same pride.”

Putnam said his priorities will be creating safer neighborhoods and continued development of the business district.

Williams told the crowd she’s excited and humbled by her new position.

“My goal is to serve the citizens … in the highest leadership possible,” she said.

Williams will act as director of public safety, while Councilwoman Tracie Graham takes over as director of parks and public buildings. Westcott will continue as street and public improvements director, and Councilman Joseph Manning will continue as accounts and finance director.

Westcott spoke of the last four years as “going backward.”

City council meetings often were marred by tension between former mayor Brenda Davis and council members, including Westcott and Manning.

“I think the city is on the cusp of something very special,” Westcott said. “I think (Putnam) will return pride to the City of Washington.”

Officials have not yet filled the vacancy left by the Dec. 31 resignation of city clerk Christy S. Thomas.

Council retained the services of solicitor John F. Cambest, of Dodaro, Matta & Cambest, and Widmer Engineering.

The next meeting will be 7 p.m. Thursday.

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