New Gilbert Mayor Scott Anderson, center, is flanked by the two new council members, Kenny Buckland, left, and Monte Lyons after they were sworn in Jan. 7.
The Gilbert Town Council held its inauguration ceremony Tuesday evening, marking the beginning of a new chapter under the leadership of Mayor Scott Anderson.
The swearing-in ceremony included Anderson and new council members Kenny Buckland and Monte Lyons, as well as the selection of Councilmember Bobbi Buchli as vice mayor for 2025.
In short remarks after being sworn in, Anderson emphasized the importance of community unity and adapting to growth.
“Embrace change,” he urged, encouraging residents and officials to continue striving for excellence as the town approaches buildout.
Anderson shared a personal set of house rules from his son’s home that he said can apply to the town in the coming years, which included principles such as “be kind to one another” and “dream big.”
Buckland addressed the packed council chamber, expressing gratitude and a sense of responsibility.
“It is just such an honor to find out that you’re elected, that the community chose you to represent them,” he said.
Buckland pledged to represent all residents with all his heart.
"I did this on prayer, and on prayer. I'll continue in hopes that we on council will continue towards buildout to make this or continue to make this the greatest community in the United States," he said.
Lyons also spoke, asking for the town's continued prayers, support and feedback.
“I think we've got a great few years ahead of us," he said. "We've got a great team put in place."
The evening concluded with the nomination and unanimous election of Buchli as vice mayor. Buchli originally was elected to council in 2022.
The ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, including former council members, county officials and nearby city leaders.
We would like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Tom Blodgett can be reached by email at tblodgett@iniusa.org or follow him @sp_blodgett on X.
Meet Tom Tom Blodgett joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2022, when the company acquired Community Impact Newspaper's Phoenix-area properties. Raised in Arizona, he has spent more than 35 years in journalism in the state.
Community: He has served as an instructional professional in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication since 2005, and is editorial adviser to The State Press, the university's independent student media outlet. He also is director of operations for an 18U girls fastpitch softball team from Gilbert.
Education: Arizona State University with a BS in Journalism.
Random Fact: He lived in Belgium during his freshman year of high school.
Hobbies: Tweeting enthusiastically about ASU softball (season-ticket holder) and grumpily about other local sports (pessimistic fan).
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