A Peaceful Transfer of Power in Clay County

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December 30, 2020 was a day that many Clay County citizens have been looking forward to for years: the peaceful transfer of power in Clay County government.

Newly elected Associate Commissioners Megan Thompson and Jon Carpenter were inaugurated at the Rooney Justice Center, replacing Luann Ridgeway and Gene Owen. Thompson has served in county government as Clay County Clerk since 2014. Carpenter served eight years as Missouri State Representative in District 15.

Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte is optimistic about a new commission leading the county. “Clay County is at a turning point. We are turning a chapter, a new chapter in our government,” said Nolte. “Starting today this county is not what it has been, but we are going to be going forward in a very much new day.”

Also sworn in to office was Will Akin who is replacing Sheriff Paul Vescovo. Akin joined the Clay County Sheriff’s Office in 2013 as a Lieutenant in Field Operations and most recently served as the Division Commander of the Emergency Preparedness Division.

Other Elected officials sworn in include County Treasurer Bob Nance, County Assessor Tracy Baldwin, and Public Administrator Sarah Mills Rottgers. Both Nance and Baldwin have been serving in their offices in 2020.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story