- January 9, 2025
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Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower takes his oath of office as his wife looks on. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Volusia County Councilman Troy Kent (third from left) is sworn into office by Judge Michael Orfinger (left) as family surrounds him in support. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Judge Michael Orfinger swears in Volusia County Councilman Troy Kent. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Volusia County Councilman Troy Kent (third from left) is sworn into office by Judge Michael Orfinger (left) as family surrounds him in support. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Volusia County Councilman Troy Kent and his family smile for a photo. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower (third from left) is sworn into office by Judge Michael Orfinger (left) as family surrounds him in support. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower speaks to the council meeting's attendees. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower poses for a photo with his family. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Volusia County Councilman Matt Reinhart (third from left) is sworn into office by Judge Michael Orfinger (left) as he stands alongside his daughter. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Volusia County Councilman Matt Reinhart (third from left) is sworn into office by Judge Michael Orfinger (left) as he stands alongside his daughter. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Volusia County Councilman Matt Reinhart poses for a photo with his daughter. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
After being sworn in for his second term in office, Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower encouraged his fellow councilmen to pursue a year where they deal with each other with respect and "maybe a little less rancor."
"I feel like my job is to always give [council members] the opportunity to ask another question, even out of order, because the work that we do is that important," Brower said. "... I would just ask that you give us all that leniency."
Brower, along with Councilman Troy Kent and Matt Reinhart, took their oaths of office on Thursday, Jan. 9, after being reelected last year to a four year term on the council. This also marks the beginning of the second term on the council for both Reinhart and Kent, who represent Districts 2 and 4, respectively, and were elected in 2020 for a two year term.
Reinhart was also chosen to serve as vice chair.
This was a long campaign season, Brower said, one with "tremendous obstacles to overcome."
"It wouldn't have happened without, of course, the support of the voters of Volusia County," he said. "This is a large county and traveling the entire county and trying to talk to as many people as possible is an arduous task, but it's also encouraging."
Councilman David Santiago said he looks forward to the year ahead.
"Respectful debate is always good," he said. "I learn a lot from each and every one of you as we go through debate, and I'm encouraged by your message."
Reinhart agreed.
"We have a lot of challenges that we face and a lot of them are controversial, and they're not always easy," Reinhart said. "They're not always easy decisions and I look forward to a new beginning."
Kent said he thought Brower's comments were "spot on."
"It's a new year, new beginnings and I appreciate you stating what you stated — that leadership from the center chair and working more cohesively together and getting things done for Volusia County residents at the end of the day," Kent said.
