BISMARCK - In an unabashed nod to sentimentality, Tax Commissioner Cory Fong took a ceremonial oath of office Wednesday, administered by his former boss, Secretary of State Al Jaeger.
Fong was appointed last week to take the office vacated when Rick Clayburgh resigned to take a bank association job.
Jaeger's voice shook and he seemed to struggle for composure when telling the assembled friends and family about how he had met and hired Fong 11 years ago as an assistant in his office. The younger man eventually moved on to become Jaeger's state elections director and deputy secretary of state.
After the oath, Fong said Jaeger has been a mentor and father figure.
Fong, who spent Wednesday meeting the Tax Department staff, said he would reappoint Bob Christman as deputy commissioner, calling him a "tremendous resource." Christman has been Clayburgh's deputy commissioner.
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In North Dakota, a formal swearing-in ceremony is not legally necessary; a person is qualified to take office upon signing and filing a paper oath. Fong did that Tuesday afternoon.
Most office holders and legislators take a ceremonial oath when the Legislature convenes every other January and those are administered by the chief justice.
Fong asked Jaeger to conduct a ceremony because "it's meant to have a nice moment with someone who has been so nice to me."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Janell Cole at (701) 224-0830
