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Well, it’s that time again.

No, I’m not talking about putting away the Christmas tree. Or, making New Year’s resolutions. Or, watching bowl games. Or, dreading stepping on the bathroom scales.

What I’m talking about is more sobering than all that.

It’s time for newly elected officials to take the oaths of their offices.

We held the elections. Some became final in July. Others weren’t decided until November. Regardless, the terms start January 1. To me, what that means is a series of new partnerships between the elected officials and the folks who elected them.

In the Griffin Circuit, we’ll have two new sheriffs. In Upson County Dan Kilgore will wear the badge. In Fayette County it will be Barry Babb. I’ve known both of these men for many years. I think they will make wonderful sheriffs and I’m excited to work with them.

In each of the counties, we will have new county commissioners. There will be new members of the boards of education. All four clerks of superior court were re-elected, so there will be no change there. But, in Spalding County there will be a new Probate Judge.

I don’t know about you, but I am increasingly thankful for local government and the men and women who serve us in those capacities. Those folks toil in close proximity to the citizens they serve and, as a result, seem more aware of the partnership with us. It’s a refreshing contrast from the increasingly detached, ineffective and clueless Federal Government.

I, too, will take an oath. You’ve honored me with the opportunity to serve a third term. We plan to refine our skills until we are second to none. I hope to become more efficient. More responsive to your needs. Better teammates with law enforcement and the courts. More supportive of crime victims. Proficient with asset forfeiture as we dust off that underused tool of crime-fighting.

In short, I want to be deserving of the trust you have placed in me.

In some ways 2013 looks daunting. I think that’s because we’re watching Congress and the Chief Executive flounder around. On a local level we have a partnership with the citizens that looks much more promising.

Let’s knock the socks off this New Year.