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Mayor, controller and five council members take their oaths of office. Mike Merritt new council chairman.

City Controller Kathy Kane is sworn into the office by her husband, District Judge Martin Kane.

AIMEE DILGER/THE TIMES LEADER

Barrett

Brown

With his family looking on, Mayor Thomas Leighton is sworn into office for his third term on Tuesday by county Judge William Amesbury at the FM Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre.

AIMEE DILGER/THE TIMES LEADER

Merritt

George

Lavelle

WILKES-BARRE – With brief remarks that centered mainly on promises of hard work for the city and its residents, the five members of City Council were sworn in Tuesday evening at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts.

Mayor Tom Leighton, elected to a third term, and Kathy Kane, former councilwoman and now city controller, also were sworn in before about 170 people – mostly family, friends and city employees.

Mike Merritt, 50, of Wyoming Street, was unanimously elected council chairman. He is beginning his second term representing District E.

“We have a good team assembled here,” he said. “We will work hard to keep the city moving in the right direction and to keep our streets safe.”

Bill Barrett, 61, of Wilcox Drive (District D), starts his third term. He was elected vice chairman.

“I’m looking forward to a great year – a great four years,” he said. “We will continue the progress the city has seen over the last eight years.”

Maureen Lavelle, 67, of Almond Lane (District C), said she waited all her life to serve on council, and she intends to do a good job.

“I’ve lived in this city all my life,” she said. “I will work hard every day for all residents because I love this city.”

George Brown, 60, of Crescent Avenue (District A), thanked his family and supporters.

“I know we can do some really great things for the citizens of the city,” he said.

Tony George, 60, of Anthracite Street (District B), is a former city police chief. He said he is committed to the city and all residents.

Luzerne County Judge William Amesbury shared swearing-in duties with District Judge Martin Kane, husband of the new controller.

Leighton presented keys to the city to former council members Tony Thomas Jr., Rick Cronauer (now district judge in South Wilkes-Barre), Kane and Bernie Mengeringhausen, the retiring city controller.

City Council members serve a four-year term. Leighton served 12 years on city council before he was first elected mayor in 2003.

“There is no oath that I take with more pride and respect than the sacred duty that I have pledged before my friends, family, and most importantly, the people of Wilkes-Barre here today,” Leighton said. “We will not accept the status quo as a benchmark of our success. We will not set the bar low where it can be scaled with ease and then pat ourselves on the back for our accomplishments.”