Three newly elected members of the City of Stockton City Council were sworn into office at a special meeting on Jan. 6, 2015.

Albert Holman was sworn in first by his grandson, Noah Marsh, and received a certificate of election from City Clerk Bonnie Page. After the oath Holman spoke about his family history in Stockton, his work ethic and the city’s financial recovery. He recounted that his parents paid $85 a month for a house they bought for $9,000 and said he intends to help lead the city through continuing fiscal repair, closing his remarks with, “Let’s finish the fight.”

Susan Loftus took the oath administered by the Hon. Linda Loftus, Superior Court Judge, and received her certificate from the city clerk. In remarks after the ceremony Loftus said she sees her role as an agent of change who will emphasize due process, public participation and inclusivity. She identified process, hearings and consistent application of rules as key elements of good governing and said she would prioritize decisions that consider the city’s future residents, including students.

Christina Fugazi was sworn in by Pastor Glenn Shields and received her certificate of election from the clerk. Fugazi, a science teacher, said she would bring a question-driven approach to the council, and described good governing as a team effort that follows procedure and seeks the best possible outcomes. She told the council she would strive to be a bridge across differing viewpoints.

The meeting began with a moment of silence for homicide victims from 2014 and an invocation by Pastor Bud Lock of Stockton Covenant Church. Mayor Anthony Silva also recognized Tim Olmer as Stocktonian of the Year earlier in the meeting. City Clerk Bonnie Page presided over presentation of the certificates of election and explained the order of the oaths and the process for the night’s District 2 appointment interviews.

Why it matters: the swearing-in completes certification of results from the Nov. 4, 2014 municipal election and places three seated members on the dais as the council continues to address fiscal recovery and public-safety priorities.