O’Brien, Powers sworn into office

LAWTON — Two new Comanche County commissioners were sworn into office in a short ceremony Dec. 30 at the Comanche County Courthouse.

District Judge Grant Sheperd administered the oath of office to commissioners John O’Brien and Josh Powers in the jury room on the second floor of the courthouse. The commissioners’ families and other observers watched as O’Brien and Powers pledged to support the U.S. Constitution, the Oklahoma Constitution and federal and state laws.

The audience applauded after the new commissioners finished taking their oaths of office.

Powers said he was glad to see a sizable crowd for the ceremony.

“I didn’t expect this many people, so it’s refreshing to see everybody here,” he said.

For his part, O’Brien said he appreciated the voters who decided they wanted someone new on the commission.

“I thank the constituents for deciding maybe it was time for a change and letting Josh and I come in and work with Mr. Johnny Owens,” O’Brien said, referring to the District 1 commissioner. “Just move forward. Do great things.”

The ceremony was two days after county officials honored outgoing Commissioner Gail Turner and Commission Chairman Alvin Cargill for their service on the commission. Turner is a 24-year veteran of county government, and Cargill spent four years on the commission.

Powers unseated Cargill in the Republican primary election in June, while O’Brien beat Turner in the August runoff election. O’Brien will represent District 1 on the commission, while Powers will serve District 3.

The commission’s first meeting of 2023 is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday in Room 302 of the courthouse.

Swearing in the new commissioners was not the only item on Friday’s agenda.

Sheperd also administered the oath of office to Comanche County Assessor Grant Edwards, who has served as the assessor since 2015.