The new Jefferson County Commission Wednesday gathered for the swearing-in ceremony. Republican commissioners Jimmie Stephens and Joe Knight were joined by a new member of the GOP majority: former Vestavia Hills city councilman Steve Ammons. Ammons said he's focused on bringing new jobs to the county. "Community development, economic development, workforce development - they all work together to create the overall quality-of-life that we want to expect for our citizens," Ammons said. Democrats LaShunda Scales and Sheila Tyson, former Birmingham city councilwomen, were also sworn-in. Stephens will continue serving as commission president.
Photo: Jeannie Faherty