DESPITE A local Democratic Party official’s plans to challenge the April 8 Carmel municipal election results, the three victorious candidates — Mayor Sue McCloud and council members Karen Sharp and Ken Talmage — were sworn in at city hall Tuesday afternoon.

In its first order of business, before the winners took the oath of office, the council unanimously voted to certify the results of the election, which gave Talmage and Sharp a narrow victory over challenger Michael LePage.

No members of the public spoke up question the validity of the election or suggested the council delay its proceedings.

After solemnly swearing to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” each candidate received a Certificate of Election, was adorned with an aromatic lei and shared a few words with family, friends and onlookers assembled at city hall.

Sharp said she savored the opportunity to learn so much during the campaign and encouraged residents and others to remain involved. “I want you to keep the tough questions coming,” she said. “It makes us all better at accomplishing what’s best for our lives, our village and for the future of both.”

When it was his turn, Talmage thanked everyone for “being real patriots for the city,” and said he appreciated the passion exhibited during the election.

“Let’s take this passion and channel it to the difficult issues that are in front of us for the next four years,” he said.

McCloud, who was solidly elected to a record fifth term, thanked participants for presenting their varying views and opinions at city hall and praised Talmage and Sharp for first stepping forward to be appointed, and then seeking full four-year terms.

She said the city is well positioned to contend with challenges like a slumping economy and the state crackdown on California American Water Co. and Peninsula water users.

“I know you share in my enthusiasm that we have a team which has proved that it can work effectively together to address such issues,” she said.

But they put off such tough business for at least a little while to be led by bagpiper Michel d’Avenas, and followed by a group of residents, business people and other revelers, to Cypress Inn for food and libation in what has become a Carmel tradition on swearing-in day.