ARTICLE XV
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1501 Oath of Office

(a)    Before entering upon the duties of their offices, the Mayor and each Councilmember shall take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: “I ________, do swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that I will support the Constitution of the United States; and that I will he faithful and bear true allegiance to the state of Maryland, and support the Constitution and Laws thereof; and that I will, to the best of my skill and judgment, diligently and faithfully, without partiality or prejudice, execute the office of ________according to the Constitution and laws of this State and the laws of the City of Takoma Park.”

(b)    The Mayor shall take and subscribe this oath or affirmation before the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County or before one of the sworn deputies of the Clerk. All other persons taking and subscribing the oath shall do so before the Mayor.

Section 1502 Official Bonds

The City Manager and Treasurer and such other offices or employees of the City as the Council or this Charter may require, shall give bond in such amount and with such surety as may be required by the Council. The premiums on such bonds shall be paid by the City.

Section 1503 Prior Rights and Obligations

All right, title, and interest held by the City or any other person or corporation at the time this Charter or any amendment thereto is adopted, in and to any lien acquired under any prior Charter of the City, are hereby preserver, for the holder in all respects as if this Charter had not been adopted, together with all rights and remedies in relations thereto. This Charter shall not discharge, impair or release any contract, obligation, duty, liability, or penalty whatever existing at the time this Charter becomes effective. All suits and actions, both civil and criminal, pending or which may hereafter be instituted for causes of action now existing or offenses already committed against any law or ordinance repealed by this Charter, shall be instituted, proceeded with, and prosecuted to final determination and judgment as if this charter had not become effective.

Section 1504 Violations of Law

Every act or omission which, by ordinance, is made a misdemeanor or municipal infraction under the authority of this Charter, unless otherwise provided, shall be punishable upon conviction by the District Court of Maryland or the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, as applicable, by a fine or imprisonment set by ordinance consistent with provisions of State law. The party aggrieved shall have the right of appeal provided under the general laws of the State. Where the act or omission is of a continuing nature, a conviction for one offense shall not bar prosecution for subsequent offenses.

Section 1505 Effect of Charter on Existing Ordinances

All ordinances, resolutions, rules, and regulations in effect in the City at the time this Charter becomes effective which are not in conflict with the provisions of this Charter shall remain in effect until changed or repealed according to provisions of this Charter. All ordinances, resolutions, rules, and regulations in effect at the time this Charter becomes effective which are in conflict with the provisions of this Charter are repealed to the extent of such conflict.

Section 1506 Effect of Other Laws

The power and authority conferred by this Charter shall be in addition to other applicable authority, including the provisions of the Annotated Code of Maryland, and the Council of the City of Takoma Park shall be entitled to exercise all of the powers therein conferred, notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Charter.

Section 1507 Separability

If any section or part of any section of this Charter is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the remainder of said charter or the context in which such section or part of section so held invalid appears, except as it may be inseparably connected in meaning and effect under the section or part of section to which such holding shall directly apply.

Section 1508 Nonforfeiture Provision

Neglect or nonuse shall not work a forfeiture of this Charter.