Blackmon sworn in as House District 146 representative

WARNER ROBINS -- Just before Shaw Blackmon was sworn in as the District 146 representative to the state House of Representatives, his predecessor advised him to enjoy his last moments as a private citizen.

“It’s probably the last day in your political life that most everybody will like you,” Larry O’Neal quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd of more than 100 people. “You haven’t voted yet and told anyone what they can’t do. Those days will come.”

O’Neal stepped aside in midterm to take a judgeship after serving in the General Assembly for 15 years. Blackmon won the seat Aug. 11 after defeating Larry Walker III in a runoff.

He was sworn in Thursday by Houston County Superior Court Judge George Nunn.

House District 146 covers includes parts of Warner Robins, Bonaire, Kathleen and Perry.

“I promise, as I have before, that you will get the absolute very best I’ve got,” Blackmon told the audience, which included many state and local elected officials.

The ceremony was held in the auditorium at Central Georgia Technical College’s campus in Warner Robins. Blackmon served on the Technical College System of Georgia’s board of directors.

O’Neal said he is confident Blackmon will do well at the state Capitol.

“He’s going to do a job like we never believed could be done for this area,” he said. “He will be respected and admired by his peers.”

Blackmon serves on the Houston County Development Authority and attended the meeting held Wednesday. He said after the swearing in that he has been asked to serve until January and will do that unless the board decides otherwise.

To contact writer Wayne Crenshaw, call 256-9725.

This story was originally published August 20, 2015 at 5:57 PM with the headline "Blackmon sworn in as House District 146 representative ."