On Monday, November 15, 2010 at 7:00 PM, City of Opa-locka Commissioners Timothy Holmes and Gail E. Miller were sworn into office a week after Mayor “Lady” Myra L. Taylor and Vice Mayor Dorothy “Dottie” Johnson took the Oath of Office, in the second of two induction ceremonies, held on the second floor of the Opa-locka Municipal Complex, 780 Fisherman Street, Opalocka, Florida 33054, since the November 2nd elections.
After being “sworn-in” by the City of Opa-locka’s Deputy Clerk/Executive Secretary, Sha’mecca Lawson, 67-year-old Commissioner Holmes commented, “It is the first in five terms that I took the ‘Oath’ without my wife at my side.” Although Holmes continues to mourn the loss of his wife Annette Holmes, who succumbed to illness over a year ago, he said the swearing- in ceremony is still an important moment in his history, because he was blessed to be accompanied by his daughter, son-in-law, grandson and NEW baby granddaughter. Holmes expressed appreciation to his supporters, who voted him back into office, then he maintained, “The Water Bills are down, and now it’s time for us to ‘get down’ to other important business that will make this City better.”
Sworn-in by her sister, Regina Miller, with Reverend Rogery Adams at hand, Commissioner Gail Miller said it was prayers, late night calls, fundraisers, staying focused and beautiful checks, along with the support of family, church members, Miami-Dade County Transportation co-workers, citizens and friends that helped her win this time; the position she was appointed to by Governor Charlie Crist in June 2007. Miller continues the political legacy of her mother, the late Mayor Helen Miller, and her brother former Mayor Alvin Miller who said he was extremely proud of his sister and reminded the elder sibling that he was only a phone call away. “Having grown-up in public service,” he assured her, “I know the needs of the people!” Commissioner Miller said, “I want to move this City into the Future!” In an aside, she jokingly continued, “…after I learn to use the ‘BlueBerry (BlackBerry).”
Commissioner Rose Tydus, the fifth Commission member, whose term is set to expire in November 2012, was requested to give the dinner prayer at ceremony.
