Two new faces joined the Lake County Board of Commissioners today as Anthony Sabatini and Timothy Morris were officially sworn in, bringing fresh perspectives and new energy to the governing body. The ceremony marked a significant moment for the county, with Sabatini taking over the District 1 seat previously held by Douglas B. Shields, and Morris assuming the position left vacant by Josh Blake after running unopposed.

In his opening remarks, Commissioner Anthony Sabatini expressed his excitement and commitment to the community he has called home for most of his life. “I am not a normal politician, but I think I’ll be very normal in Lake County on this commission because I’m serving with four people that truly love this county,” Sabatini says. “I see this as a team because honestly, this is my county. I’ve lived here almost my whole life… I’ll never leave. I’m 36. I’ll die here.” Sabatini emphasized his dedication to making Lake County a better place, stating, “I have only one goal on this commission, which is to make the county better than the way I was lucky enough to find it.”

Commissioner Timothy Morris, who brings a background in business to his new role, spoke about his enthusiasm for innovative approaches and collaboration with fellow commissioners. “I want to make Lake County better for everybody,” Morris says. “I look forward to working with you all. I bring some crazy ideas from the business environment. Indulge me, please. Let’s think of other options and open the gamut of what we can do.”

The ceremony also included remarks from Kirby Smith, who was reelected and expressed his eagerness to work with the new commissioners. “Mr. Morris, Commissioner Sabatini, I can’t wait to start working with you,” Smith says. “Four years ago, I was lucky enough to be hired by the citizens. I take this job very seriously, and as I was raised by my parents, any task or job you take on, you do it to 100% of your ability.”

Photos provided