Village of Camden swears in new mayor Karen Moss, council members

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CAMDEN — Karen Moss was sworn in as Camden’s new mayor during a special ceremony held Monday, Dec. 30 at Camden Town Hall.

Returning village council member Judy Michael and newly elected councilman Jeff Steele were sworn in as well.

J. Todd Smith, who represents the 43rd district in the Ohio House of Representatives, officiated as the newly elected officials took the oath of office. Smith complimented the people of Camden for taking time to attend the ceremony.

“What a great crowd,” Smith told the assembled citizens. “And what an awesome building to do an invocation in.”

Smith, who served as a minister for 35 years before entering the world of politics, said a few words about leadership before swearing the new village officers in.

“We often misunderstand things like leadership,” Smith said. “We misunderstand what it means to be a leader.”

The word “minister,” according to Smith, originated in ancient Greece as a synonym for “servant.” The same word was also used, Smith said, to refer to those who took public office.

“Leadership is about serving people,” Smith said. “ You have to be a servant to your constituents, and you have to be accountable to your conscience.”

Moss was the last to take the oath of office. After being sworn in, the newly elected mayor thanked the residents of Camden for placing their trust in her.

“I want to be a person who listens and learns,” Moss said. “I want to be very accessible.”

Susie Duskey, a fourth-grade student at West Elkton Elementary, led Camden residents and council members in the Pledge of Allegiance at the outset of the event. Susie’s father, Nick Duskey, serves on the Board of Education of Preble Shawnee Local Schools, while her mother, Katie Duskey, is board president of Camden Comeback, a nonprofit group dedicated to promoting and empowering the community of Camden, as well as strengthening community cohesion and morale.

Pastor Greg Jackson, meanwhile, led a benediction at the close of the ceremony.

“It’s a blessing to see these folks step up when so many in our community choose to step back,” Jackson said of the town’s elected officials.

Camden Village Council meetings take place the first and third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Camden Town Hall.

Newly elected mayor Karen Moss took the oath of office during a special ceremony Monday, Dec. 30 at Camden Town Hall. Ohio Representative J. Todd Smith officiated.
https://www.registerherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2020/01/web1_Moss-Swear-In.jpgNewly elected mayor Karen Moss took the oath of office during a special ceremony Monday, Dec. 30 at Camden Town Hall. Ohio Representative J. Todd Smith officiated. Anthony Baker | The Register-Herald

Returning village council member Judy Michael and newly elected councilman Jeff Steele were also sworn in during last Monday’s event.
https://www.registerherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2020/01/web1_Judy-Michael.jpgReturning village council member Judy Michael and newly elected councilman Jeff Steele were also sworn in during last Monday’s event. Anthony Baker | The Register-Herald

Returning village council member Judy Michael and newly elected councilman Jeff Steele were also sworn in during last Monday’s event.
https://www.registerherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2020/01/web1_Jeff-Steele.jpgReturning village council member Judy Michael and newly elected councilman Jeff Steele were also sworn in during last Monday’s event. Anthony Baker | The Register-Herald

By Anthony Baker

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