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Franklin County’s Elected Officials Take Oath of Office

Ceremonial Courtroom One was full on Friday morning as judicial, county, and municipal officials pledged to uphold the U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions.

Commissioners

January 03, 2020

A woman in a pink outfit raises her hand while standing beside a man in a courtroom. Audience members sit in the background.
Mary Beth Shank takes the oath of office for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas – 39th Judicial District next to husband John McPaul.

Ceremonial Courtroom One was full on Friday morning as judicial, county, and municipal officials pledged to uphold the U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions. Judge Angela Krom welcomed those in attendance and in her opening remarks explained that taking an oath is not only a constitutional requirement, but a promise. “We will discharge the duties of our respective offices with fidelity . . . Fidelity means faithfulness,” she said.

Judge Jeremiah Zook administered the oath of office to President Judge Shawn Meyers and Judge Krom who retain their judicial seats. Mary Beth Shank was sworn in as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas – 39th Judicial District by President Judge Meyers. She succeeds Judge Carol Van Horn who retired last month. Judge Shank promised to pursue her new role with integrity and to treat everyone in her courtroom with fairness. Her goal is to be “thoughtfully decisive.”

Senior Judge Herman administered the oath of office to Kristin Diller Nicklas who begins her first term as Magisterial District Judge for District #39-3-04.

President Judge Meyers administers oath to Franklin County Commissioners (left to right) Bob Ziobrowski, Dave Keller, and John Flannery.

President Judge Meyers administers oath to Franklin County Commissioners (left to right) Bob Ziobrowski, Dave Keller, and John Flannery.

Members of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners were sworn in by President Judge Meyers. Tenured Commissioners Dave Keller and Bob Ziobrowski begin their fourth terms joined by newly elected Commissioner John Flannery.

Returning officials Todd Rock, Clerk of the Court/Clerk of Orphan’s Court; Matthew D. Fogal, District Attorney; and Timothy S. Sponseller, Prothonotary, swore their oaths before Krom, as well as former Sheriff, Dane M. Anthony who returns after a one term hiatus. Returning officials Harold Wissinger, Jr., Controller; Jeffrey R. Conner, Coroner; and Linda Miller, Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds, were sworn in by Judge Shank.

Judge Sponseller administered the oath to Southampton Township Supervisor Randy Brenize.

Attorney A.J. Benchoff, Franklin County Bar Association President, remarked that this ceremony serves as a symbol of the orderly transfer of office and power found in our nation’s democracy.