First day back in the House: 5 sworn in

In the House of Representatives, the tone was more positive as five new members were marched to Gov. John Baldacci’s office to be sworn in.

Watch or see our photos here.

The following representatives were elected in November to replace those who either died or resigned in the off-session: Rep. Michael Carey, D-Lewiston; Rep. Sheryl Briggs, D-Mexico; Rep. Pat Jones, D-Mount Vernon; Rep. Peter Johnson, R-Greenville; and Rep. Ralph Sarty, Jr., R-Denmark.

With the new members, the House approved the following committee changes:

• Briggs will serve on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee, replacing Rep. Mark Bryant, D-Windham. Bryant is moving to the Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee to take the seat of Rep. Patricia Blanchette, who also serves on the Criminal Justice Committee.
• Carey will serve on the Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee, replacing Rep. Bonnie Gould, R-South Berwick. Gould is moving to the Taxation Committee.
• Jones will serve on the Health and Human Services Committee.
• Johnson will serve on the Labor Committee, taking the seat of Rep. Richard Sykes, R-Harrison, who also serves on the Criminal Justice Committee.
• Sarty will serve on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee.

During the ceremony, Rep. Ralph Sardy Jr.’s son stood near the group of new legislators during the ceremony, and Baldacci gave him one of his signature pens when it was over.