McDaniel sworn in as Merced County supervisor

The rainy weather didn’t stop dozens of people from turning out at Castle Commerce Center on Friday to witness the swearing-in of Daron McDaniel, the newest member of the Merced County Board of Supervisors.

McDaniel, 49, won the District 3 seat by more than 55 percent of the vote during midterm elections Nov. 4. A newcomer to public office, he beat out longtime Merced politician Tony Dossetti by more than 800 votes and 10 percentage points.

The Atwater businessman said he’s both humbled and excited to have earned the confidence of voters. McDaniel said his enthusiasm will bring a new energy to the Board of Supervisors, along with his regional knowledge of issues that impact the Central Valley.

McDaniel spent the last four years working as a congressional aide for Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Turlock, who facilitated the swearing-in Friday. Denham lauded McDaniel’s passion for solving problems in the Valley and being accessible to constituents. Denham also remarked on how McDaniel, during the campaign, shared his personal cellphone number on a radio ad.

“I’m sure that phone rings often, but it goes to his character and his commitment to the community,” Denham said during the ceremony. “I know he’s someone who will serve his community well. He will work hard and he’ll always be available.”

A large Merced County logo was displayed behind McDaniel as he took his oath of office – a gesture that was his idea. McDaniel told the Merced Sun-Star that revitalizing economic development at Castle is one of his top priorities, starting with hosting a town hall meeting for residents and businesses.

A number of elected officials came out to support McDaniel, including two of his future colleagues on the Board of Supervisors, John Pedrozo and Hub Walsh. McDaniel told the Sun-Star he’s had positive conversations with board members during the past few weeks, including Linn Davis, the supervisor he’ll replace on Jan 1.

McDaniel, who is Christian, asked the Rev. Don Ramsey of Merced to bless him on his journey as an elected official.

McDaniel, who said he’d never imagined being an elected official five years ago, also spoke of his faith. “I have to have the confidence in God that he’ll lead me through this,” he said.

McDaniel having lived and worked in Atwater his entire life played well with voters in that city, who overwhelmingly supported him. McDaniel said he’s ready to prove himself to Merced constituents.

“Once the Merced folks get to know me, I think they’ll understand how hard I’m going to work for them,” McDaniel said Friday morning. “I’m not there to punch a time clock; I’m there to get work done. I’m not a ‘yes guy’ – but I’m a ‘let’s consider it’ guy. I’m not afraid to look at all angles, all points of view and say, ‘Let’s try it.’ ”

McDaniel said he made two promises on his nearly two-year-long campaign trail – that he’ll “work hard” and sing karaoke at Castle Gardens. Though it’s unclear if McDaniel is prepared for the second promise, he pledged his commitment to keeping the first.

McDaniel’s soon-to-be former boss, Denham, said that he has no doubt the new supervisor will be successful.

“I told him to focus on the community – all politics are local,” Denham told the Sun-Star after the ceremony. “He’s made a strong commitment that he’s going to be out there working.”

This story was originally published December 12, 2014 at 7:52 PM with the headline "McDaniel sworn in as Merced County supervisor."