OCALA, FL (32today.com) – Ben Marciano is Ocala’s newly sworn in mayor following an afternoon ceremony at City Hall on Tuesday.
Friends, family, city employees, community leaders and interested citizens packed the council chambers to show their support.
Marciano’s wife and children surrounded him as he vowed to support, protect and defend both the U.S. Constitution and that of the state of Florida.
After taking the oath of office, Mayor Marciano delivered a few remarks to the assembled audience.
“It truly is an honor to serve as your next mayor of Ocala. I’m truly humbled by this opportunity,” said Marciano.
Though outgoing Mayor Kent Guinn was not present for the figurative changing of the guard, Marciano acknowledged Guinn’s service and expressed his gratitude to him.
“He did an amazing job over 20 years in office. He really left this city in a great place for me to be able to take over,” said Marciano.
Guinn served as mayor for 12 years and on the council for a dozen years before that. He made the decision not to run for re-election.
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Marciano ran unopposed in the municipal election, paving a clear path to the office.
“I’ve known for the last six months that I was going to be Ocala’s next mayor. It’s like hurry up and wait,” said Marciano.
He said he used that time to put his ear to the ground. “I was able to get out in the community and meet with the citizens and meet with our city staff and city officials,” explained Marciano. “One thing I can tell you about our community is it’s special. You guys care. We’re going to make a great difference together.”
Marciano earned an Associates degree in Criminal Justice from the College of Central Florida and prior to becoming mayor spent considerable time supporting law enforcement causes.
“I’ve had the chance to meet with our police department and police chief. I’m a little biased about them,” said Marciano. “I will tell you we have the best police department in the country.” That comment was met with applause and cheers.
He wrapped up his remarks with a rallying cry and a charge to the crowd, “Let’s go out and make it happen.” That prompted a standing ovation.
In an in-depth article by 352today’s Kathy Dugan last September, Marciano shared what called him to want to lead the city.
“My happiness comes from serving people. I was in church. And I was praying. I really felt God speak to me and say, ‘You’re now ready for what I prepared you for.’ So, then I’m like, ‘Alright, what is it, God?’ That is when it came on my heart that I love serving people and I love our community and that’s the way the mayor’s job is. Your job is to serve the community. Make it better. Help people. And that’s why I was so intrigued by the position,” said Marciano.
Marciano was also joined by Kristen Dreyer and Ire Bethea, Sr., both returning council members for Districts 4 and 2 respectively. They were also sworn in during the ceremony.
Once the pomp and circumstance concluded, the council immediately got down to work.
