Monday's inauguration of Clearfield resident Alan Hansen as Davis County's newest commissioner also marked Carol Page's first day as the County Commission's first chairwoman.

"I thought about it for a while and I mentioned it to the other commissioners about six month ago that I thought it was my turn," Page said after presiding over Hansen's swearing-in ceremony.

With 13 years in office, Page is the longest-tenured member of the all-Republican commission. GOP officials appointed the Kaysville resident to fill a vacancy on the panel in 1992, and she has been elected three times since.

Commissioner Dannie McConkie, the former chairman, says the time was right to make a change.

"The weight of commission chair has been on me for eight years, and she was willing and eager to take it on," he said.

As chairwoman, Page will sign county contracts and preside over weekly meetings. Otherwise, the division of commission duties remains fairly equal.

Page, who will oversee the Community and Economic Development Division, said completion of the stalled Legacy Highway remains high on the county's list of priorities.

"We have hearings coming up right away and we want to get people involved in that process," she said.

In welcoming Hansen to the commission, Page told him to "expect the worst, plan for the best and be prepared to be surprised."

Added McConkie: "We want you to be successful. When one of us fails, we all fail."

Hansen, an advertising and marketing sales representative, takes over for Michael Cragun, who lost his re-election bid at the Republican County Convention last spring.

"I'm just excited about this new opportunity," Hansen said. "I've met with a lot of great people and the mix and caliber of employees at the county couldn't be better."

lorib@sltrib.com

Davis County

Commission portfolios

l Carol Page, Davis County's new commission chairwoman, will oversee Community and Economic Development, the Fairpark, Information Systems, Library and Facilities.

l Dannie McConkie, the former commission chairman, will handle the Health Department, Behavioral Health, Personnel, Public Works, Golf Course and Risk Management.

l Alan Hansen, the newly minted commissioner, will be responsible for Aging Services, Animal Control, Justice Court, Planning Commission, Utah State University Extension Services and Indigent Burial.