November election winners take office

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December 1, 2008

BY BRIAN L. HUCHEL The Commercial-News Mon Dec 01, 2008, 09:47 PM CST

DANVILLE — Monday’s events marked the next step for Randy Brinegar as he assumed the office of Vermilion County State’s Attorney.

Brinegar was among five people recently elected to county office to stand before Judge Claudia Anderson and take the oath of office during a ceremony Monday morning at the county courthouse. The courtroom was packed with standing room only for the event, which lasted just under an hour.

Following the ceremony, Brinegar had no problems admitting there were a few butterflies in his stomach as he officially took over the office.

“If I didn’t’ get butterflies over the thought of being state’s attorney or over a trial, there’s something wrong with me,” he said. “This is a very serious business.”

The swearing-in marked Brinegar’s career coming full circle. It was 19 years this month that Brinegar — clad in jeans and a flannel shirt — walked into the office of then-state’s attorney Craig DeArmond and asked about working there.

DeArmond, now a circuit judge, sought out Brinegar after the event, shaking his hand in congratulations.

While the oath marked the continuation of one man’s career, it signified a new chapter in another’s. Denny Gardner, county deputy, correctional officer and longtime DARE officer, was sworn in to take the post of circuit clerk.

Gardner acknowledged the excitement of the event, but didn’t think the significance would sink in for another day.

“That will come tomorrow,” he said Monday. “After we are settled down and get the day out the way and the festivities and go in tomorrow for the job at hand. Then we’ll be ready.”

Gardner was looking forward to the new office and responsibilities.

“I look forward to the challenge,” he said. “It’s a different environment, but we’ll make it. I’ve learned other jobs, I’ll learn this one.”

The remaining officials to be sworn in on Monday — Recorder Barb Young, Coroner Peggy Johnson and Auditor Linda Lucas Anstey — were each incumbent candidates heading into the November general election. Of the three, only Johnson faced a contested race.

Young marked her 25th year as a county official, offering thanks to the 27,000-plus residents who cast a ballot for her. Monday marked the beginning of Anstey’s sixth term in office.

Each county official assumes a four-year term in office.

The moment on Monday was an emotional one for Brinegar, who thanked his wife and family, including his mother for her “quiet strength” during the campaign. His father died during the campaign.

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