Montgomery County Commission swearing-in ceremony features new commissioner

Justin Castanza (third from left) is surrounded by supporters after taking the Oath of Office to become District 3 Montgomery County Commissioner, Wednesday, November 13, 2024 – Photo from WAKA Action 8 News

A new member of the Montgomery County Commission has been sworn into office.

Justin Castanza will represent District 3 after winning the general election for the seat last week. He replaces Ronda Walker, who decided not to seek another term.

“Super emotional during the swearing in,” Castanza told Action 8 News. “The ‘So help me God’ got me the most. The gravity of the situation to protect the Constitution of the United States and the state of Alabama and to support the citizens of Montgomery County was powerful and there’s no backing out now.

“Ronda has been an example to me from day one. She inspired me to seek to fill her office. District 3 has been in good hands for almost 11 years, and so Commissioner Walker has shown me how to be fiscally responsible and to lead with heart. She has led with passion and that’s exactly what I bring to the table. This is not an ambition of mine, it’s a passion of mine and so I’m proud to carry on that tradition.”

The swearing-in ceremony and organizational meeting was held this morning at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre.

The commissioners who were sworn in to an additional four-year term were Daniel Harris in District 1, Carmen Moore-Zeigler in District 2, Isaiah Sankey in District 4 and Doug Singleton in District 5.

Commissioner Doug Singleton has been re-elected as commission chairman. Commissioner Carmen Moore-Zeigler was elected vice chairman, becoming the first Black woman to hold this position.