Politics & Government

Delco Commissioners, DA Sworn In

Three Delaware County Council commissioners and the new district attorney took office Tuesday.

Threecommissioners and the new District Attorney took office Tuesday.

Thomas J. McGarrigle was sworn in to his second term on the five-member Delaware County Council.

Also during the induction ceremony, Colleen P. Morrone and John P. McBlain took the oath of office for their first terms on the board.

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County Commissioner terms run four years.

John J. Whelan, former County Commissioner, was inducted as the county's District Attorney.

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Whelan's Jan. 3 resignation from the council to become District Attorney meant that the council would have 30 calendar days to fill the vacancy.

It did not take them that long. At the first council meeting directly following the induction ceremony, Councilman Mario Civera nominated longtime Ridley Township commissioner David J. White, reports the Delco Times.

Everyone sworn in on Tuesday thanks their families, friends, and those who helped them in their respective campaigns.

Colleen Morrone started her time in public service in 1999 as a member of the planning committee of Concord Township, where she lives. She then became the first woman to be elected supervisor there.

Deacon Paul J. McBlain, John P. McBlain's father, made a touching introduction to his son's swearing-in on Tuesday. He told the crowd that he can attest that his son is "a man of vision, with concern for justice, loyalty to God, his family, and a call to service."

John P. McBlain attended and lives in Aldan Borough.

"Be brave. Be bold. Be confident," the elder McBlain said.

The younger McBlain said the county needs to be a good steward of the residents' money, but also need to advocate for the weak and marginalized.

He also said he wants to allow people to access county services and information easier by using technology.

Thomas J. McGarrigle, of Springfield, in his speech thanked the employees of Delaware County.

"We've asked you to do more with less. And you did it," he said.

Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Philadelphia, made the invocation on Tuesday. Chaput said that public service is where justice begins. And that of those taking office — "their work matters. Not far away, but here, in the local community, now."

 


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