Ormond Beach City Commission takes oath of office

Looking forward, there are challenges facing the city of Ormond Beach, said Mayor Bill Partington during the City Commission's organizational meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 17, where he and the other four commissioners took their oath of office to serve for another two years. 

Partington was sworn into office virtually since he is currently quarantining after testing positive for COVID-19. He said his symptoms so far have been mild, and reminded people to continue to practice social distancing, wearing a mask and washing their hands. 

Still, the mayor said he is excited to continue to serve the city for another two years. This will be his third term as mayor. 

“Elections are competitions," Partington said. "They’re battles of ideas, and now we move away from that, we step off the field of competition because the campaigns are over and we move into governing mode.”

For the next two years, City Commissioner Susan Persis will serve as the city's deputy mayor. She thanked City Commissioner Troy Kent, the former deputy mayor, for being a role model to her. 

“I’m very thrilled and honored to be elected deputy mayor, but I have to say — I have big shoes to fill," Persis said.

Partington said he knows the commission will work with neighboring communities to ensure their developments don't negatively impact Ormond Beach's quality of life. Hee said it was likely the commission will seek citizen input for "strategic land issues and possible purchases," and that there are grants and partnership opportunities he looks forward to explore.

"Bottom line, working together we can and we will make Ormond Beach even better," Partington said.