There was a big crowd on hand at Town Hall Dec. 4 to observe the peaceful transfer of town government as the new mayor and two new council members took their place on the dais for the coming term.

New Mayor Ginny Dickey, along with Councilman Mike Scharnow and Councilman David Spelich, were sworn in along with Councilman Alan Magazine, who returns to his seat for a second term on the council.

They joined a third relative newcomer to the council, Councilwoman Sherry Leckrone, who was sworn in back in October to fill a vacant seat left by the resignation of Cecil Yates, who had stepped down to run for mayor.

At the same time citizens were able to bid adieu to three-term Mayor Linda Kavanagh, four-term Councilman Henry Leger and Councilman Nick DePorter, who served one four-year term.

Prior to the official activities, citizens were invited to attend an open house in the Town Hall lobby where they could meet and greet the new council members and say thank you and good-bye to the outgoing members. It was the first time in the town’s history where three of four candidates with expiring terms did not seek re-election.

After the reception the citizens moved from the lobby into the council chambers to watch the transitional ceremonies.

The sitting council took the dais first with the three departing council members making their closing remarks.

They all expressed their thanks to citizens who supported them, fellow council members and staff for providing an enjoyable environment for serving the public.

“It has been a privilege to work with fellow council members,” Kavanagh said. “We accomplished a lot as a team and you gave up a big part of your lives to serve the community.”

Leger thanked the crowd of citizens and said it is nice to have such a large group that was in a good mood. Large crowds at council meetings are not usually there with smiles, he said.

“It has been an honor and privilege to work with staff, council members and citizens,” Leger said. “We have made Fountain Hills a better community. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve.”

DePorter also thanked staff and fellow council members. He had a special thank you for his family and parents, who he said instilled in him the values of public service. He offered some parting advice, something he said he would tell his kids, “be nice to each other.”

DePorter was described by Vice Mayor Art Tolis as the nicest guy on the council.

After the presentation of service pins shaped as the Fountain, flowers and gifts, the parting council members left the dais to make way for the new blood.

Fountain Hills Town Magistrate Robert Melton was called upon to administer the oath of office to the new members who were called to the front with their spouses; Mayor Dickey with her husband, Jim, Councilman Magazine with his wife, Cynthia, Councilman Scharnow with his wife, Brenda, and Councilman Spelich with his wife, Marsha Branche-Spelich.

After the oath the new group gathered on the dais to offer their own remarks.

It was Scharnow who noted that there was more than 22 years of combined experience departing the council and that might be hard shoes to fill.

“That is a record to be commended,” Scharnow said. “I am grateful for their willingness to do the job.”

Looking ahead he said, “I feel we are up to the challenge and able to look to 2019 and beyond with realism and channel our efforts as best we can.”

Spelich said he came to Fountain Hills several years ago with family and fell in love with the town and decided to come back after his retirement from the Chicago PD.

He thanked citizens for their support.

“I am proud to be on the council and hope to do the best job I can,” Spelich said.

Dickey offered her thanks to those departing, mentioning by name Kavanagh, Leger, DePorter and Cecil Yates as well.

“I thank [them] for what they were willing to do for the community.

“I look forward to working together with the new council and staff.”

She said she would like all citizens to step forward for the good of the town.

“I hope those with knowledge and experience will continue to be willing to serve,” Dickey said. “I want the citizens to be well served.”