Community celebrates Moss in swearing-in ceremony

 

On Jan. 5, the Council Chambers at the Southfield Municipal Complex seemed more like a celebration rather than a somber swearing-in ceremony.

Residents, city officials, former representatives and well-wishers gathered at 7 p.m. to witness former city councilman Jeremy Moss’ ceremonial swear-in to the House of Representatives. Moss won the race for District 35 in November with 82 percent of the vote, beating out republican Robert Brim.

Councilman Ken Siver acted as a master of ceremonies, sharing personal anecdotes of Moss, as well as introducing a variety of speakers and a musical performance by Parks & Recreation board member Rosemerry Allen.

“The thing I really appreciate about Jeremy is that he has brought a fresh perspective to the city council,” Siver said.

Also present at the ceremony was Acting Mayor Donald Fracassi, who praised Moss for learning all he could about the city council after being elected at age 25.

“Jeremy started running and he never stopped. He did his homework, and he learned more,” Fracassi said. “He was always learning how to better the city, and it was a pleasure to see him grow.”

Former State Rep. Rudy Hobbs, who Moss will replace, also said a few words about Moss. Hobbs explained that as his former campaign manager and district director, the two have grown close.

“I know great things will happen because Jeremy Moss is in the world. I know my family — my three daughters — I know we’re in good hands,” Hobbs said. “This guy fights for all the right issues. Everything we believe in, this guy will go to Lansing to fight for it.”

Before Moss took the podium to share his perspective, he was sworn in by City Clerk Nancy Banks.

“I’ve done enough of these political events throughout my career to know that when you’re the last speaker, especially at an event in your honor, be very brief because you’re the last person standing between everybody and the dessert outside,” Moss joked.

During his speech, Moss cited a lesson learned in college while studying abroad in South Africa — a concept called ubuntu.

“It doesn’t have a direct translation to English. It’s the concept that a person is only a person through other people. The person can only exist through other people experiencing and be affected by him or her,” Moss said.

Through this concept, Moss took the time to acknowledge the help of his parents, the city council and Hobbs.

Following, a reception in the main lobby of City Hall featured red, white and blue balloons and light hors d’oeuvres.

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