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Flagstaff residents packed the Flagstaff City Hall lobby and celebrated the city’s new councilmembers and mayor Tuesday night with a small band, native dancers, a local singer and a native flute player, while snacking on hors d’oeuvres.

When the celebration moved into the Council chambers for the official swearing-in and the nomination of the new vice mayor, it was standing room only and some residents had to watch the proceedings from a monitor in the lobby.

Each new councilmember received a round of thunderous applause after being sworn into office by Presiding Flagstaff Municipal Court Judge Thomas Chotena. Each new councilmember also thanked the community for their support and pledge to work with the other members of Council.

New Mayor Coral Evans received a standing ovation from the crowd after taking her oath of office.

“Very grateful, honored and humbled to serve you as our mayor,” she said. “I understand that I represent not only the individuals who voted for me, but the individuals who did not vote for me, as well as the individuals who could not vote for me.”

“I want to encourage civil discourse. I want to encourage your questions, encourage your answers and encourage thoughtful dialogue,” she said.