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District Attorney Howard Sworn in
for Third Term at Gala Public Inaugural
| On Monday,
3 January, 2005, District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. stood at
the lectern in the well of the Fulton County Assembly Hall and,
raising his right hand before Judge Pinkie Toomer, was sworn in
for his third term in office. District Attorney Howard, sworn in
along with Sheriff Myron E. Freeman and Tax Commissioner Arthur
E. Ferdinand, began the new year-and this new term-with a |
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gala inaugural celebration attended by hundreds of friends, family
members, fellow citizens, and County employees.
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As the
crowd entered the Hall, it was greeted by the sophisticated
sounds of the North Atlanta High School for the Arts Jazz
Band. The Army R.O.T.C. Color Guard Unit from Westlake High
School followed the invocation with the presentation of the
flag in a dignified, martial display. Next, a stunning soloist
from North Atlanta High School performed "The Star-Spangled
Banner" followed by students from Mill Springs Academy,
who led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mistress
of |
| Ceremonies and WXIA-TV Anchor Karyn Greer welcomed
the crowd and introduced County Commissioner Bill Edwards,
Georgia's Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor, and Atlanta City
Council President Lisa Borders, who each offered a welcome
from his or her respective constituency. |
| Each of the elected officials being sworn in was then presented
by his wife with brief remarks before Judge Toomer officially
administered the oath of office. District Attorney Howard,
who faced no opposition in this most recent election, spoke
briefly of his Office's hard work and success in the past
and his plans for the coming years. |
| Specifically,
Mr. Howard outlined his intention to bring renewed focus to
the problem of illegal drugs in Fulton County and the need
for a new approach in dealing with the problem. Calling for
a dedicated Felony Drug Division in Superior Court to more
effectively and efficiently handle drug cases-the lion's share
of offenses prosecuted by this Office-Mr. Howard also spoke
of |
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| the need for real and comprehensive alternatives
to the simple incarceration of drug users and dealers in the
community. Diversion and rehabilitation, he said, must become
viable alternatives to jail time in those cases where these
options are appropriate and likely to yield more positive
results. |
| Following his remarks and those of the other honorees, the
Color Guard returned to "retire" the flag, and the
participants and attendees moved into the Government Center
Atrium for a casual reception. |
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