Following an extensive campaign, an election and a runoff, Selma City Councilman Greg Bjelke officially assumed his duties Wednesday at City Hall.

Bjelke was sworn into office by former Dallas County Probate Judge Johnny Jones in front of an overflow crowd.

Bjelke said now that the campaign is over, he is ready to go to work.

“I’m anxious to get started,” he said. “I want to thank everybody. From the start I got support from everybody and wishing me well. We have been positive from the start and are ready to get to work.”

Selma City Council President Cecil Williamson said for the first time in months, every ward would be represented when the council meets.

“We are pleased to have an entire city council for the first time since January, and from the looks of the crowd here today, there are a number of people who are happy as well,” he said.

The people’s choice during the runoff was clear, Selma Mayor George Evans said. He added he is ready to work with Bjelke to keep the city moving in a positive direction.

“The voters sent a strong message to everybody that they supported Greg and his campaign,” Evans said. “We are glad to have him on board. We are still making progress in Selma. Our city is moving. We look forward to working with Greg and continuing to make giant steps.”

The job can be overwhelming, Councilmember Angela Benjamin said, and many times new members must learn on the fly. But, she added, she is happy to have Bjelke on board.

“Now the work begins,” she said. “We want to welcome him to the group, which is a very special group.”

There is a lot of positive energy in Selma, Bjelke said, and he hopes people will continue to work together.

“I feel like we are at a turning point for Selma,” he said. “I’m encouraged by that because there are some good things going on here.”