Ken Pearson entered the room at the Boone County Government Center and immediately began making his way around, shaking hands and talking with anyone he could. Then he stood at the doorway, coat still in hand, and greeted others as they made their way inside.
It seemed everyone wanted to congratulate the new Boone County official about to take his first oath of office. Sometime after 11 a.m., Pearson was sworn in as the county’s presiding commissioner.
The support was shown once again when Pearson received a standing ovation as he made his way to the podium. Boone County Clerk Wendy Noren laughed and told everyone to get their cameras ready. After he was sworn in, Pearson thanked Noren and gave a brief speech.
“The government works for the citizens, and that is my intention — to work for you, to listen to you,” Pearson said.
Pearson said his priorities include improving communication between the commission and the public, acting as a liaison for the Public Works Department to learn how it operates and assure taxpayers that their money is being well spent, and working with city officials to spur economic development.
Pearson said he has been transitioning into the position for the past two months. To prepare for the job, Pearson said he has been attending briefings and meetings.
“But it will intensify,” Pearson said. “There is a period of time where there will be an adjustment, just like any position.”
Other newly elected officials sworn in were Circuit Clerk Christy Blakemore, Prosecutor Dan Knight, Circuit Judges Kevin Crane and Jodie Asel and Associate Circuit Judges Deborah Daniels and Leslie Schneider.