Chris Cohilas, Anthony Jones sworn in as new Dougherty County commissioners

ALBANY — Joining incumbents John Hayes and Ewell Lyle, who won re-election, Dougherty County’s new Commission Chairman Chris Cohilas and District 6 Commissioner Anthony Jones were sworn into office Monday morning by Probate Court Judge Nancy Stephenson.

Cohilas replaces Jeff Sinyard as chairman of the commission. Sinyard announced last January he would leave office after 12 years as chairman and 30 years with the county. Jones defeated Jack Stone, who’d served on the commission for 28 consecutive years, in the May 20 Democratic primary to claim the District 6 seat.

“I think everything went well; it’s good to get the first one done,” Cohilas said after assuming the chairman’s seat and conducting both a work and business meeting. “This is a great group of folks to work with, and I’m convinced everyone here is moving in the same direction, is interested in moving our community forward.

“I think the biggest thing right now is to build a spirit of cooperation among commission members. The retreat (scheduled Feb. 5 at Veterans State Park outside Cordele) is going to be a great opportunity for us to start.”

Jones, who said he was “elated” to finally join the board after winning his seat more than seven months ago, expressed a desire to get to work. He, too, said the coming retreat would be important for setting the tone for the board.

“That’s where we can put all our cards on the table,” the new District 6 commissioner said. “I believe we’ll use that opportunity to figure out our goals and objectives. I’m excited, ready to go to work.”

A large crowd gathered in the downtown Government Center to see the swearing-in ceremony. After wishing the new board members well and receiving a hug from District 1 Commissioner Lamar Hudgins, who was named vice chairman for the year at the meeting that followed, and a handshake from District 2’s Hayes — the two board members with the longest tenure — Sinyard slipped quietly out the side door of the auditorium and into private life.

The outgoing chairman told Cohilas and his wife, Karen, “Chris, Karen … It’s gonna be something.”