Several new faces to the Schuylkill County Courthouse, including two newly elected county commissioners, were sworn into office Thursday in front of a crowded, standing-room-only courtroom filled with family, friends, returning officers and state representatives.
Using the same Bible his great-uncle, Charles W. Staudenmeier, used to be sworn into office as a senator on Jan. 2, 1933, Frank J. Staudenmeier was sworn into office for a fourth consecutive term as county commissioner. Democrats Mantura M. Gallagher and Francis V. McAndrew did not to run for re-election in November.
"I always say after the election is over, that the expectation is, no matter Republican or Democrat, the three commissioners work together for the betterment of Schuylkill County and that's what we plan on doing," Staudenmeier said after the ceremony, with a crowd still remaining in the courtroom. "Of course we are going to have our differences, but if we keep our focus on the people of Schuylkill County, things will work out the way they should."
The two newly elected county commissioners joining Staudenmeier on the board, Democrat Gary J. Hess and Republican George F. Halcovage Jr., also took their oaths surrounded by family.
"They will have a bit of a learning curve as far as county government is concerned," Staudenmeier said. "However, they are two business people and have a vast amount of experience under their belts. Gary (Hess) has been mayor of Schuylkill Haven and George (Halcovage) has been very active in the community, so I think their learning curve will not be as much as somebody else. But I think we need to take it a little slow in the beginning until they get acclimated with the county and then we move forward from there."
The election of Halcovage returned the board to Republican control, which it has been for nearly 40 years before the last administration.
"Personally, I'm humbled by the fact that the citizens of Schuylkill County have put their trust and confidence in us," Halcovage said. "I think you will see a good group of commissioners that are doing things together for the good of all the citizens. We have challenges, as does every business and family. It is a tough time right now. I know that Schuylkill County is a very strong area because they have faith. They have that togetherness which is important. We are going to work to make this county as strong as it has ever been."
Also joining the administration as Republicans by taking the oath for the first time on Thursday were County Controller Christy Joy, Prothonotary David J. Dutcavich, Register of Wills Theresa Santai-Gaffney and County Coroner David J. Moylan. Treasurer Jackie McGovern and Recorder of Deeds A. Matthew Dudish renewed their oaths.
Incumbent Clerk of Courts Stephen M. Lukach Jr. was only the second Democrat to be sworn into office Thursday.
Newly elected after winning in November without opposition, James P. Goodman was sworn in as a county judge. County judges renewing their oath were County Judges James P. Goodman, Judges Cyrus Palmer Dolbin and Charles M. Miller. Magisterial District judges taking the oath again were James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg, Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, and James K. Reilly, Pottsville. Christina E. Hale replaced Magisterial District Judge Bernadette J. Nahas, Frackville, when she took her oath Thursday.
Also attending the ceremony were U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, D-17, and state representatives Mike Tobash, R-125, Jerry Knowles, R-124, and Neal P. Goodman, D-123.
