Salt Lake City swears in four council members at oath-of-office ceremony

Salt Lake City held a special council ceremony to swear in four newly elected and re-elected council members and to welcome families, city staff and community members. The event included a presentation of colors by the Salt Lake City Police Department Motor Squad, a performance by the West High Choir, a prayer by a Ute elder, and brief remarks from each sworn member.

Councilmember Victoria Petro (District 1) opened the roster of remarks after taking the oath administered by City Recorder Keith Reynolds. Petro framed her term around outreach to underrepresented West Side residents and a commitment to "the dignity of all of my neighbors," saying she will "pursue substance over symbols" and focus on making affordability meaningful rather than symbolic.

A District 3 member took the oath next and used remarks delivered from the Mann Library to highlight libraries, the Great Salt Lake, parks and future generations. The transcript records the oath recitation as "I, Chris Wharton," and the speaker described hopes that public lands and cultural life remain accessible to children growing up in Salt Lake City.

Erica Carlson (District 5) repeated a Buddhist parable in her acceptance remarks, quoting the story’s line, "that's not the point. The point is that I try," to underline the value of small, persistent acts in addressing systemic issues such as housing, infrastructure and homelessness.

Sarah Young (District 7) thanked district residents and public-safety responders, praised the CHAT response team for a recent welfare call and honored longtime volunteers who helped diversify city recruitment efforts. She emphasized incremental, everyday steps toward larger goals including affordable housing and improved parks.

City Recorder Keith Reynolds administered the oaths; each newly sworn member received a key-to-the-city pin and signed their oath certificates at the podium. The ceremony concluded with an invitation to a reception on the building's third floor and the council was adjourned.

The ceremony was primarily ceremonial—no formal council votes or motions were recorded in the transcript. Attendees were encouraged to attend regular Tuesday council meetings and to view sessions online.