Swearing In for Next 4 Years

All three thanking the citizens of Falls Church for electing them, two incumbents and a newcomer were sworn in to four year terms on the Falls Church City Council in a brief ceremony at City Hall last Thursday, July 1. For Robin Gardner and Lindy Hockenberry, it was to second terms, and for David Chavern, it was to his first term to any elected office.

City Clerk Kathleen Clarken Buschow performed the oaths, and once empowered to begin their terms on the Council, the trio joined Mayor Dan Gardner, Vice Mayor Marty Meserve, Sam Mabry and David Snyder to unanimously elect Mayor Gardner and Vice Mayor Meserve to new two-year terms in their respective posts.

For Mayor Gardner, it marked the beginning of a third term as the City's mayor, making him the longest-serving mayor since Carol DeLong served four terms in the 1980s.

"Our goal is for an even better Falls Church," said Robin Gardner in brief remarks after the swearing in. "In building our economic strength, we must act prudently, sometimes not making the most popular decisions, sometimes coming to the middle. We rely on citizen input, sharing ideas, and communication in a way that treats everyone fairly and with equity."

"Democracy is being exercised in its finest form in this smooth transition of power," said Mabry. "The City, because of its size, faces tremendous challenges."

Snyder focused his remarks on the importance of the "art of listening," "communication," and "the principles we act upon on behalf of the welfare and safety of the citizens of Falls Church."

Chavern said, "I intend to merit the public's confidence" in electing him.

Hockenberry added, "Grassroots democracy is alive and well in Falls Church."

Meserve thanked the three winning candidates and their competitors for making the commitment to run and serve. She said that safety, manageable taxes, economic development and prosperity, diversity, environmental protection and open communication with the public are the Council's priorities.

Mayor Gardner focused on the need to "think positive, have a sense of humor, accept the need for change, even when it is not easy, and strive for balance with the tremendous demands on the limited resources available." He stressed the need for teamwork, "seeing the glass as half-full instead of half-empty," and "facing the challenges ahead." He praised "the outstanding staff" the Council has to work with, led by City Manager Dan McKeever.

Following the ceremony, the Council was honored at a reception held in the Community Center.

SWORN IN ON JULY 1 to four years of service on the Falls Church City Council were (left to right) David Chavern, Lindy Hockenberry and Robin Gardner, before a large gathering in the Council chambers of City Hall. The three were elected in the May 4 municipal election, Gardner and Hockenberry to their second terms and Chavern to his first. A reception honoring the three was held following the ceremony at the Community Center. (News-Press photo)