Fred Shorett sworn in

Businessman Fred Shorett was sworn in today as the new councilman representing San Bernardino's Fourth Ward.

The Fourth Ward includes the northeastern part of the city. Shorett won a March 17 Special Election to replace Neil Derry, who is now on the Board of Supervisors.

After taking the oath of office, Shorett remarked that his family has done business in San Bernardino since the 1920s, and that in 1944 his grandfather was elected to represent the Fourth Ward. Shorett said the city has seen better days, but he repeated his campaign theme that the city's assets - such as water, higher education and highway access - can be used to make San Bernardino prosperous.

"I plan to work as hard as I can and to bring a business approach and a common sense approach to City Hall," Shorett said.