2008 News
January 7, 2008
A Time of “Innovation, Improvement and Excellence:” Commissioners, Row Officers Sworn In During 2008 Inaugural Festivities
James F. Cawley, Esq. Elected Chairman, Charles H. Martin Vice-Chairman; Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW, Joins Board
During a standing-room-only morning ceremony in the Bucks County courthouse rotunda, members of the Bucks County judiciary issued the oath of office to the three members of the Board of Bucks County Commissioners, James F. Cawley, Esq., Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW, and Charles H. Martin. Joining them in the swearing-in proceedings were row officers Dr. Joseph Campbell, coroner, Mary Smithson, clerk of courts, Barbara Reilly, register of wills, and William Snyder, treasurer, all elected during the November 2007 General Election.
“Today, we pause to reflect on the great history of our beautiful county and to look forward to its bright future,” Commissioner Cawley told a crowd of several hundred, moments after he accepted the oath of office from President Judge David Heckler. “We, as Bucks Countians, can say with pride that we are a community of enlightenment, of opportunity, of tolerance and, indeed, a community of hope.”
Complementing the speeches by Commissioners Cawley, Ellis-Marseglia and Martin were the melodious tones of the William Tennent High School Madrigal Singers, directed by Tyrone Dinkins. Another highlight of the ceremony was the music of bagpiper Tim Bennett, a Warrington Twp. police officer who has become a regular at county ceremonies.
During her initial remarks as commissioner, Ellis-Marseglia outlined five principles that will guide her during her tenure, including, “I believe time truly is of the essence, and if you are hoping to improve things you must never put off until tomorrow what you can do today; I believe that leaders need to make decisions by looking at the big picture, the grand scheme, and not choose easy, quick-fix solutions; and I believe that the path we walk on this earth is made more difficult or easier by the actions of others.”
Commissioner Martin becomes the longest-tenured member of the commissioners’ board. Martin took the oath of office from Hon. Rea B. Boylan, continuing his 13th year as an integral part of the county administration. He focused his remarks on the many facets of operation the commissioners attend on a daily basis.
“For the last 12 years, it has been my honor and privilege to serve the people of Bucks County,” Martin said. “During that time, we have made many progressive strides together. From emergency preparation to health and human services to open space preservation, your county government is hard at work, ever mindful of providing taxpayer value.”
Martin detailed a wide cross-section of the programs and initiatives the commissioners are charged with overseeing.
“It is with great anticipation that we look to 2008 and beyond as a continuation of the groundwork that has been laid,” he added, touting continued progress on the 9-1-1 Communications center in Ivyland, the Class “A” Burn Building in Doylestown Twp. and the Lower Bucks Public Safety Training center in Bristol Twp., the “green” expansion project at Churchville Nature Center, the Upper Bucks Government Service Center in Richland Twp., and the new courthouse parking garage and subsequent justice center in Doylestown Borough.
Each commissioner also offered an historic quote deemed fitting for the ceremonial occasion, and they were folded into their speeches as follows:
Commissioner Cawley: “I must admit that I personally measure success in terms of the contribution an individual makes to her or his fellow human beings.” Margaret Mead
Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia: “Without struggle, there is no progress.” Frederick Douglass
Commissioner Martin: “There is no greater glory than to work for the public’s good." Edmund Burke
Commissioner Martin followed his conclusion by urging, “So, let’s get to work.”
Moments later, during the commissioners’ 2008 organization meeting, Cawley was elected chairman by a unanimous vote. Martin was named vice-chairman for this fiscal year. “You have our gratitude,” Cawley told Martin, who has served as chairman seven times during his tenure (1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005 and 2007).
During the meeting, commissioners appointed Guy Matthews as county solicitor, David Sanko as chief clerk, as well as members of the Board of Assessment. Additionally, they approved the regular meeting schedule on the first and third Wednesday of every month, at 10 a.m.
For a full audio account of the inauguration, please click here.
For more pictures of the event, click here.