It was standing room only in the Oak Harbor City Council Chamber Tuesday night during a swearing-in ceremony for the city’s new mayor and three not-so-new council members.

It undoubtedly marked a new era in city politics as the council members watched one of their own, Councilman Bob Severns, raise his hand and repeat the mayor’s oath of office.

Traditionally, the swearing-in ceremony is held during the last council meeting in December, but Severns doesn’t actually take office until Jan. 1.

Ironically, the ceremony was led, lightheartedly, by Bill Hawkins, who is both an Island County district court judge and the Oak Harbor municipal court judge. He previously worked closely with the council as the city’s attorney until he was sacked by Mayor Scott Dudley during a controversial round of firings of top city officials.

The series of terminations set the tone for the contentious relationship between the mayor and the council that pervaded during the last four years. Dudley recently underwent surgery and didn’t attend the meeting.

During his campaign, Severns promised to bring leadership back to City Hall and restore cohesiveness between the mayor’s office, the council and city staff.

Council members Rick Almberg, Beth Munns and Tara Hizon were also sworn in to their new terms in office.

Tuesday, the tone was joyful. Hawkins said it was a significant honor to be asked to swear in people whom he’s known so long, worked with and has so much respect for.

He used quotes from the late, great Yogi Barra to offer some sage advice.

“He had a lot to say about communication,” Hawkins said, “and he initially said, ‘You can observe a lot by just watching.’ Interesting comment, but in terms of the respect for listening to others and improving communication, not a bad point.”

Afterward, there was plenty of hugs and handshakes as family, friends and supporters rushed in to congratulate the foursome.