SPOKANE, Wash. – Clapping echoed through Spokane’s downtown library as mayor-elect Lisa Brown was officially sworn in as Spokane’s next mayor just after six p.m. Wednesday evening.
In November, Lisa Brown defeated Mayor Nadine Woodward in what was a highly contested race by 2,853 votes. Brown’s swearing-in-ceremony comes just days before she officially takes office January 1. The timing of this ceremony is traditional for Spokane; Mayor Woodward was also sworn in a few days before the new year.
Wednesday’s ceremony started with a performance by students from the Salish School of Spokane and a reading by Sharma Shields, a Spokane novelist and short-story writer.
City councilmember Kitty Klitzke was sworn in just moments before Brown. The oath for both Klitzke and Brown was administered by Judge Jaime Hawk of the King County Superior Court.
“The divisions are real, and they don’t go away because of an election, but they can be transcended when we work together,” Brown said after being sworn in. “So, Spokane, this is the time for us to come together to focus on solutions, not jurisdictions. On people, not political differences. To join hands instead of pointing fingers.”
Ahead of taking office, Brown has already announced her transitional committees, including public safety, criminal justice, health and housing options, the regional economy, and the city’s budget.
Another task Brown will be addressing will be finding a permanent replacement for Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl; Meidl announced his resignation one month ago. Brown said she will conduct a nationwide search for the chief’s replacement. In the meantime, Brown announced she will be appointing JustinLundgren as interim chief. He currently serves as assistant chief for SPD.
Brown will officially take over as mayor of Spokane on January 1.
