Two new Haralson County commissioners, and a new member of the Board of Education, were among the 13 elected officials who were sworn in Thursday evening in a special ceremony at the county courthouse.

The winners of the 2012 election season were all sworn into office by Probate Judge J. Edward Hulsey after he himself, as the returning incumbent judge, was sworn in by Judge Donald Howe, senior judge of the Superior Courts of Georgia.

Hulsey recited the specific oath for each office as each official stood before him with their hand raised, and while family members stood nearby holding a Bible on which the official placed their other hand. Each scene was lit by numerous camera flashes from the several dozen friends and family who filled the courtroom benches.

Among those taking the oaths was Kenneth Smith, newly elected county commissioner for the District 1 post. Former Commissioner Eric Robinson could not seek re-election to the post because of his unsuccessful challenge against Commission Chairman Allen Poole.

John Dobbs was sworn in as the newly-elected commissioner for District Three. Dobbs defeated former Commissioner Vance Posey in the Nov. 6 general election.

Gail Ray was sworn in as the new District One representative on the Haralson County Board of Education. Ray defeated incumbent Richard Davis during the Republican primary in August, and then went on to win against Democratic challenger Robbie Jordan during the general election.

All the others sworn in Thursday were incumbent officers, several of whom faced no opposition during the election season.

The others taking their oaths of office were:

Brandon C. Heath, Judge of the Magistrate Court

Oliver Jackson Browning Jr., District Attorney

Allen Poole, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners

Danny Hutcheson, Coroner

Eddie Mixon, Sheriff

Becky Robinson, Clerk of Superior Court

Barbara Ridley, Tax Commissioner

Gregory Dewberry, Surveyor

Dr. Martha Smith, Board of Education, District 4

Members of the Haralson County Veterans Association presented the colors during the ceremony, after which there was a reception for the newly sworn-in officials, their family and their friends.