PORT ORCHARD — Thursday’s swearing in ceremony for all Kitsap County officials was serious, but not solemn, as all those elected in November displayed respect for their offices along with a sense of camaraderie.

“With all that’s now going on in the world, this ceremony is very special,” said District Judge Marilyn Paja. “It is an orderly transfer of power that is clear as glass and allows all the citizens to participate.”

The decorum was shattered immediately, as Superior Judge Sally Olsen fed Central Kitsap Commissioner Josh Brown too many lines for him to easily remember.

Brown started laughing, as Olsen initially split the oath into smaller sentences. While its last line was several sentences long, Brown recovered to repeat it perfectly.

“I am slightly embarrassed,” Brown said. “But I am also honored and humbled to be involved in the projects that will improve our life and help solve the important issues through partnerships that benefit all citizens.”

Brown singled out his parents for praise, saying his campaign didn’t have any problems with the Public Disclosure Commission because his mother was its treasurer.

“I couldn’t have done this without my parents,” he said. “There is also the fact that they named me after the Seahawks’ place kicker, which is something that I haven’t been able to properly thank them for.”

Brown’s age was an issue throughout the campaign (he turns 26 on Jan. 2). Republican Assessor Jim Avery alluded to this but then switched gears, saying, “There is one issue about Josh that we need to address. But I don’t think that his party label will cause him any problems at all.”

Aside from Paja, Avery and Brown, others taking the oath of office included Clerk Dave Peterson, Auditor Karen Flynn, Treasurer Barbara Stephenson. Coroner Greg Sandstrom, Prosecutor Russell Hauge and District Court Judges James Riehl and Steven Holman (Judge Daniel Phillips was on vacation and took the oath in private).

Brown’s initial gaffe became the ceremony’s recurring theme; toward its end State Supreme Court Gerry Alexander fed the oath to Riehl one word at a time.

Brown was the only one of those sworn who faced an opponent in the election.

“Some people view races where there is no opposition as an indication there is something wrong with the system and blame political parties for not putting up someone to run,” Peterson said. “I view it differently. I see ‘no opposition’ as the ultimate vote of confidence by both political parties and the citizens as a whole for the job that is being done in that office.”

U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks, who actively backed Brown in the election, was also in attendance.

“It was very important that we won back a Democratic majority on the Kitsap County Commission,” Dicks said. “His opponent was way too extreme on a lot of growth management issues. I expect that Josh will be a positive force in local government.”

Each official made a short address, often thanking their staff and their families.

Hauge singled out his wife Jill, saying, “On our first date, I told her I wanted this job. I am glad that she stayed with the program.”

The ceremony was held in the county commissioners’ chambers, exceeding its 140-person capacity.

Boyer noted that he knew almost everyone in attendance, saying, “If there is anyone here that I haven’t met, please see me before you leave.”