ONEONTA _ The keys to the city were handed over twice Friday in an inauguration at City Hall witnessed by more than 130 people.
One set of keys _ of the type that actually open doors _ was passed to Mayor Dick Miller by outgoing Mayor John Nader.
A ceremonial key to the city was given to Judge Walter L. Terry III, who stepped dow n from the Oneonta City Court bench after 18 years.
Miller was sworn in as the 20th mayor of Oneonta in a ceremony that also included the oaths of office of two judges and four county board representatives.
City residents spilled out of Common Council chambers, where it was standing-room only, and into a hallway.
Nader held the Bible as Judge Lucy Bernier administered Miller's oath of office.
"I look around this room, I see so many friends," Miller said afterward. "All of you have contributed to the community."
Nader, who was appointed provost of the State University College of Technology at Delhi last year, did not seek a second term.
Miller, 66, said he intends to spend the rest of his life in Oneonta and promised he would work hard.
"It's a terrific city. It's a terrific community," Miller said.
Judge Lucy Bernier was the first official to be sworn in Friday when she took her oath of office, administered by state Supreme Court Justice Michael V. Coccoma.
The city has two judges, one appointed by the mayor and one elected by city residents. Bernier, who has been serving for six years as the city's appointed judge, won election over City Prosecutor Michael Getman this fall.
She succeeds Terry, who served as judge for 18 years, and city prosecutor for 24 years.
Terry announced his retirement last year, setting the stage for the judge election.
In Nader's final act as mayor, he presented Terry with a ceremonial key to the city.
Terry noted he was appointed as assistant city prosecutor in 1966 by former Mayor Albert "Sam" Nader, the father of John Nader.
Terry said Otsego County is blessed with excellent lawyers.
"That makes the judge's job really easy," Terry said.
One of these lawyers, Richard McVinney, was appointed to be Bernier's replacement in Miller's first official act as mayor. Bernier administered McVinney's oath.
Four Otsego County representatives were also sworn in Friday.
Oneonta Democrats Marti Stayton, Linda Rowinski and Kay Stuligross were joined by Otego Republican Kathy Clark. The four women were sworn in by Bernier.
Bernier's husband, Joseph Bernier, who retired last month after a 35-year career at City Hall, was also recognized by Nader for his service as engineering administrator and community development director.
In Cooperstown on Friday, Daniel Crowell was sworn in as Otsego County Treasurer.
