Council members take oath in Holladay

The newest elected Holladay leader was sworn into office on Jan. 5, along with two returning council members. Steve Gunn, replacing E. Barry Topham in District 4, took his oath along with J. James Palmer and Lynn Pace, with family and community members in the audience.

The event began with a flag ceremony by the Unified Police District, and soloist Patrice Vincent sang the National Anthem. Newly appointed Holladay Justice Court Judge Augustus Chin administered the oaths of office.

Pace began his comments by appreciating the service Topham had given to the city, and mentioned the debates the two council members had over the course of his term.

“Barry feels passionately about this community and on occasion had the difficult task of speaking up,” Pace said. “One of the things I love most about local government is even though the views may not be shared by the entire group, it is critically important that everyone be able to share those views. I so admire his willingness to share his views even when he knew he was alone.”

Pace welcomed Gunn as a past colleague and mentor, and said he was honored by the trust given to him by the residents of District 2 and pledged to do his best.

Gunn addressed the audience, saying he already felt the discomfort of being a politician because he is a self-described people pleaser, and he recognized that would not be possible in his new role.

“I can only assure you that I will do my best and be prepared on all of the issues, and that I will hear all view points,” Gunn said.

Palmer was sworn in on an 1829 King James Bible which has been handed down to the eldest son in the Palmer family for generations.

“I am incredibly moved to be able to serve in this capacity. On a forward-looking basis, as an economist, I am very confident that Holladay is in a great position,” Palmer said. “We have a wonderful community, a solid citizenry, a good business base and I think we have turned a corner in these hard economic times. I think the progress we will see next year with building in the Village Center, a new hotel and a fire station, we will be set for the future.”