Sheriff Jim Winder, Councilman Jeff Allen and District Attorney Lohra Miller took their respective oaths at the County Government Center, along with Auditor Jeff Hatch and Surveyor Reid Demman.

Winder, a Democrat, said he is ready to "hit the bricks running" after a 50-day transition fostered by his predecessor, four-term Republican Sheriff Aaron Kennard.

"It's time to get busy," Winder said. "I've got the pieces in place to move ahead."

Winder trounced Kennard in the November election after news reports surfaced of the Republican sheriff's weekday golf outings.

Jail funding remains among the big issues facing the new sheriff and the County Council.

Allen, a Republican, said he is "humbled" to be joining that council and "excited" to serve his constituents.

"This is going to be fun," he said, flanked by four daughters and his wife, Celeste. "It's great to have my kids and close friends here as I swear my declaration to the Constitution and the future."

The first 2007 meeting of the County Council - which continues to carry a 5-4 GOP advantage - is scheduled for Jan. 9.

Incumbent council members Joe Hatch, a Democrat, and David Wilde, a Republican, took their oaths for another term, while at-large Democratic Councilman Jim Bradley was absent and will be sworn in later.

Also returning to office were Clerk Sherrie Swensen (to a fifth term), longtime Assessor Lee Gardner, Recorder Gary Ott and Treasurer Larry Richardson.

During Tuesday's modest ceremony, retiring Councilman Cort Ashton challenged the new officers to be good stewards.

"I hope you bring with you a desire to change the status quo - to find all that is good with Salt Lake County and to move it forward," Ashton said.

Miller, a Republican, is eager to usher in a new era at the District Attorney's Office, which Democrat David Yocom oversaw for 16 years.

"I'm excited to start working on the ideas we outlined in the campaign," she said.

csmart@sltrib.com