PARIS – Caldwell Jackson was sworn in as an Oxford County commissioner in front of about 30 friends and family members Friday.

There was just one hitch – no one brought a Bible. County officials found one in the jail library.

Jackson’s wife, Diane, held the Bible as Dedimus Justice Karen Tibbetts led Jackson through the oath. Then Jackson presented his wife and Tibbetts with flowers as a thank you for helping him through the campaign.

As commissioner, Jackson, along with Steven Merrill of Norway and David Duguay of Byron, will be responsible for overseeing county agencies, putting together the county budget and serving as a municipal officer for the townships.

Jackson is replacing former commissioner Jeffery Fagan, who he defeated in the primaries.

Fagan, after giving a heartfelt goodbye during the commissioners’ last meeting, has taken a job with Wyndham Vacation Ownership Inc. in Orlando, Fla., and will soon move from Oxford County.

In the November election, Jackson defeated West Paris Selectman Wade Rainey.

Jackson’s ancestry in the town of Oxford dates back to 1779, and he grew up there. He was selectman for 10 years, and still plans to hold his position as vice president and director of the Oxford County Fair. He runs his own business as a furniture maker and a farmer.

Jackson has three daughters, Victoria, 16, Heather, 25, and Nikkei Pierce, 28.

Jackson’s district covers Buckfield, Greenwood, Hebron, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Stoneham, West Paris, Woodstock and the unorganized territory of Albany. However, he said he sees himself as a public official for the entire county, not just his assigned towns.

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