VanderLey takes oath of office

ORANGE COUNTY Orange County swore in two new commissioners and one returning, re-elected commissioner during the Orange County Oath of Office Ceremony Dec. 6 at the Orange County Convention Center.  

Orange County District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey and District 5 Commissioner Emily Bonilla were sworn in for their first terms, while District 3 Commissioner Pete Clarke was sworn in for his second term in front of more than 400 attendees.

The seven elected members of the Orange County Board of Commissioners serve four-year terms, and elections for Orange County Mayor and District 2, 4 and 6 commissioner seats will be held in 2018. 

As the District 1 Commissioner, VanderLey, a business development consultant who resides in Oakland, will serve the residents of Winter Garden, Ocoee, Windermere, Oakland, Horizon West and Dr. Phillips. Her seat was formerly filled by Scott Boyd, who was first elected in 2008 and reached term limits. 

“Mostly I have learned that District 1 has some of the most engaged citizens in the county,” said VanderLey during her remarks upon taking the oath of office. “They are passionate about their community and willing to roll up their sleeves to make a difference. It is with their help I was elected, and it will be with their help that I serve.”  

VanderLey also thanked her family and the residents who supported her throughout the campaign. In her concluding statements, she asked her supporters to continue helping her as she takes on the responsibilities of her newly elected role.

“I am proud and humbled to have been elected as your new District 1 Commissioner,” VanderLey said. “I could not have done it without the help of many, and I am grateful that God sent each and every one of them to walk this path with me. Please don’t go anywhere now that the campaign is done. I will need your input, your energy, your wisdom and your creativity. I am counting on it.”

___

Contact Gabby Baquero at [email protected].