Local news- Press Release
Montgomery County Pennsylvania - Montgomery County Swears In County Commissioners and Row Officers 03 January 2024 ( news )
Montgomery County , state Pennsylvania ( By Press Release office)
Jan 03,2024
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BLUE BELL , PA—On January 3 , Montgomery County hosted a public swearing - in ceremony for Commissioners Jamila H . Winder , Neil Makhija , and Thomas DiBello , as well as nine Row Officers , in the Montgomery County Community College’s Health Science Center Main Gym .
"Montgomery County has a population that is diverse in experiences and backgrounds , " said
Jamila H . Winder , Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners .
“Our community deserves to have leadership that reflects those lived experiences . This new Board of Commissioners , with our dedication to service and diverse perspectives , ensures that everyone who lives , works , visits , or invests in Montgomery County has a voice that speaks for them . ”
“It’s an honor to serve alongside Commissioners Winder and DiBello to support the people of Montgomery County . And that is what we are here to do—to serve , ” said
Neil Makhija , Montgomery County Commissioner .
“I am looking forward to the critical work of protecting our elections in 2024 , addressing housing affordability and homelessness , leading on the climate crisis , and many more issues we face as a County .
“I believe we’re going to do a lot of good for the residents of Montgomery County , " said
Thomas DiBello , Montgomery County Commissioner . “Together with my fellow Commissioners , we are committed to making advancements for this great County . I look forward to meeting more of the people who live and work here , as well as speaking with and learning from the 2 , 800+ County employees who diligently serve our community every day . ”
Over 1 , 000 people registered to attend this significant moment in Montgomery County’s history . Residents , community partners , representatives of federal and state elected officials , and other partners joined together to celebrate the new leaders of the County , with several historic firsts .
With the support of her fellow Commissioners , Jamila H . Winder became the first African American woman to hold the position of Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners .
“This honor of being the first is not lost on me . I am filled with gratitude that other little Black girls and boys can now see themselves in a position of power and can aspire for greatness in their own way , ” said
Winder
. “While this moment is historic , I maintain the same commitment that I have had since I joined the Board of Commissioners last year: creating sustainable solutions that benefit all residents and look out for the most vulnerable . ”
Makhija , who made history as the first person of Asian American and Pacific Islander ( AAPI ) descent elected to a Board of Commissioners in Pennsylvania , also was named the Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Elections .
“As Chair of the Board of Elections for the next four years , I assure you that in Montgomery County , no matter who you support , no matter what outside pressures come upon us , we will protect every single vote , ” said
Makhija
. “County government is the bedrock of democracy; it’s where we safeguard our fundamental right to vote which protects all other rights; where every citizen has a chance to shape our shared future .
The ceremony also honored nine elected officials who head various departments within the County . Those include Clerk of Courts Lori Schrieber , Controller Karen Sanchez , Coroner Dr . Janine Darby , District Attorney Kevin Steele , Prothonotary Noah Marlier , Recorder of Deeds Jeanne Sorg , Register of Wills Tina Lawson , Esq . , Sheriff Sean Kilkenny , and Treasurer Jason Salus .
Dr . Janine Darby and Tina Lawson made history as the first Black women to hold the offices of Coroner and Register of Wills in Montgomery County , respectively . Schrieber , Sanchez , Steele , Marlier , Sorg , Kikenny , and Salus continue their service to Montgomery County in their respective offices .
The next Board of Commissioners meeting will be held on
Thursday , January 11 at 10 a . m . Participants are welcome to attend in person at One Montgomery Plaza , located at 425 Swede Street , Commissioners’ Boardroom , 8th Floor , Norristown PA 19311 , or virtually via livestream .
View photos of the ceremony by Margo Reed Photography .
View the recorded ceremony .
Media Contact:
Megan Alt ,
megan . alt@montgomerycountypa . gov
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