A new year, new faces. Richard Fagundes and Richard Valle -- two newcomers in the mix to lead the county's decision-making authority -- were sworn in as Kings County supervisors Monday in front of an overflow crowd in the County Board Chambers.

Fagundes and Valle were elected on Nov. 4, both notching decisive victories.

Fagundes, a ranch foreman, will replace Alene Taylor representing District 5, an incumbent he defeated in the election. Valle, a former aide to termed-out Assemblywoman Nicole Parra, will take the seat vacated by Jon Rachford representing District 2, who retired after 12 years on the board.

As camera flashes went off every few seconds, Fagundes, 67, pledged to uphold the Constitution and the county's laws as Superior Court Judge James LaPorte administered the oath. In a more symbolic manner, Valle, 38, chose to place his left hand on the Bible and have his grandparents, his 8-year-old son Kobe and his former boss, Parra, on his side as he took a solemn vow to fulfill the duty as a supervisor.

Monday's swearing-in ceremony was attended by an unusually large crowd -- including not just friends and families but movers and shakers of the community -- who came to pay respect to the up-and-coming leaders in the county's political scene.

Fagundes said he was humbled by the turnout and enthusiasm, and emphasized his commitment to being a new supervisor.

"I've had an exceptionally overwhelming response from my district," said Fagundes. "When I got elected, it just hit me: Somebody out there is really depending on me. Now it's my turn. I've got to really try to help the people in my district."

Valle thanked the people who have helped him along the way, as well as county employees for their hard work. He named his former boss, Parra, among those who inspired him to pursue the county supervisor's job.

"I really do have a passion for public service. I enjoy doing this. I spent the last six years working for Assemblywoman Parra, and I understand this job -- other supervisors can also tell you -- is not a glamorous job ... Not everyone we encounter is going to say 'You're doing a great job.'" Valle quipped during his speech. "People call you because they have issues and concerns, and they expect their representatives to go out there and work for them."

Valle pledged aloud to the audience that he will make it a full-time commitment to serve the county residents and struck a collaborative tone with his colleagues, saying that he is not "up here by myself."

Senior members of the board welcomed the diversity and experiences Fagundes and Valle would bring to the table, and expressed their renewed commitment to their collective leadership role.

"We'll work together. We'll fight for what means the most to us: that's our families and friends in our community," said Supervisor Tony Oliveira. "I think this is a great day. It's an American process. Even though we had some great elections nationally, the most important election to all of you should be those two people right there."

As the legislative process kicks into gear, the board will be immediately faced with a challenge: The ongoing budget problems trickling down from the state.

Fagundes showed confidence in his ability to make tough decisions.

"The big challenge is all the cutbacks that the governor wants us to make," he said. "I believe if we start with the top and show fiscal responsibility by example, it shouldn't be a problem. I've always lived within my own means. This doesn't bother me."

Valle said he is ready to go to work.

"I'm ready to hit the ground running. I have the experience at the Assembly level seeing the state budget, " he said. "Just like in the Marine Corps, when you graduate, you've got to be ready for everything that's going to come your way the next day. I'm going to fall back on that experience."

The swearing-in wasn't the only change during the special meeting.

District 1 Supervisor Joe Neves, who represents the area surrounding Stratford, was approved unanimously to head the board for a second year.

Fagundes nominated incumbent Supervisor Tony Barba to be the vice chairman, but Barba declined and backed Oliveira's nomination of Valle for the position. The board unanimously approved Valle's appointment to vice chairman.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2429.

(Jan. 6, 2009)