The Montgomery County Community College gymnasium was filled with pomp and circumstance Wednesday morning as three new elected officials were sworn in.
More than 1,000 people witnessed ceremonial proceedings for the new Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, Jamila Winder, Neil Makhija and Tom DiBello, who voters chose during the 2023 general election.
Each took their turn, surrounded by their loved ones as a judge administered the oath of office.
"Today, I’m not just a newly sworn-in commissioner. I stand here as a testament to generations of hard work. I stand here as a symbol of progress of representation and the spirit of community and servant leadership,” Winder said. "I am filled with immense gratitude for this opportunity to serve the county that has been my home, my foundation, my inspiration for over four decades.”
Winder was sworn in by Judge Tamika Lane; Judge Arun Subramanian administered the oath of office to Makhija, and Judge Thomas Del Ricci conducted DiBello’s swearing in.
New Slate of County Commissioners
The 2024 terms for DiBello, Makhija and Winder mark a slate of new commissioners the board hadn’t seen in some time as three seats were up for grabs in the 2023 general election.
Winder, of East Norriton, was appointed to replace Val Arkoosh in February 2023. Arkoosh resigned to join Gov. Josh Shapiro’s cabinet, and the former East Norriton Township supervisor ran to hold onto her seat for a full four-year term.
Winder was endorsed by the Montgomery County Democratic Committee at the Montgomery County Democratic Committee’s nomination convention in February 2023. After the second spot was designated "open,” Makhija, an attorney and nonprofit president from Penn Valley, secured a nomination during the May 2023 primary. New to the county’s political scene, Makhija stressed how "transformative” the past year was.
"I was new, but you gave me a chance. You heard me out. You gave me the opportunity,” Makhija said.
As Democrats retained majority control of the three-member board, Makhija would go on to succeed outgoing Chairman Ken Lawrence Jr., also a Democrat. Lawrence announced last year that he did not express his desire to run for re-election.
Winder is the county’s first African-American woman commissioner. Makhija is the first Indian-American and South Asian American elected county commissioner. Both Winder and Makhija spoke about their personal journeys and the impact their families have on them.
"The path of service has led me directly to this moment, this historic moment that I do not and cannot take for granted. Because today I am proud to become Montgomery County’s first African-American woman elected to the board of commissioners,” Winder said, her words met with applause from the crowd.
"I didn’t run to make history. I ran to make a difference,” Makhija said.
While former Republican Montgomery County Joe Gale ran for re-election in the May 2023 primary, he was bested by Montgomery County Republican Committee-endorsed candidates Tom DiBello and Liz Ferry. DiBello, a retired businessman and former Spring-Ford Area School District School Board member from Limerick Township, went on to win the minority seat in the general election.
Results were certified by the Montgomery County Board of Elections on Dec. 4, 2023.
"County government starts as the bedrock of our democracy,” Makhija said. "It’s where we safeguard our fundamental right to vote, which protects all other rights, where every citizen has a chance to shape their own future.”
Makhija was also appointed as chairman of the county’s election board as part of his first term in office.
"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,” he said.
All three county commissioners also took a moment to acknowledge their predecessors.
"Our path forward is illuminated by the remarkable leaders who have shaped our county’s history,” Winder said. "Now it’s our turn to carry this legacy forward and build upon their foundations and forge an even greater and more inclusive path of growth and opportunity.”
New Trio Aims to Work Across the Aisle
The trio of county commissioners participated in a private ceremony on Tuesday, and later convened to reorganize to decide on leadership roles, choosing Winder and Makhija as chairwoman and vice chairman, respectively. DiBello held the minority position.
"People ask me what it feels like being in the minority. My response to them, ‘to me, it feels like part of the majority’,” DiBello said on Wednesday.
"Many voters expressed they’re tired and upset with the political division within our government,” DiBello continued. "My goal is to work as a team with Jamila and Neil, and demonstrate that different political parties can work together to improve and advance Montgomery County.”
Winder agreed.
"I look forward to working with Commissioner Makhija and Commissioner DiBello to continue making Montgomery County a place that truly works for everyone,” she said, adding "I believe our dedication to service and diverse perspectives will lead to experience (and) collaborative leadership that is vital to our shared success.”
During their remarks, the three newly elected officials shared priorities key to their platforms. Issues relating to homelessness, housing affordability, social services, fiscal responsibility, county employees, crime reduction, economic development, and overall innovation made the list.
"By drawing on each of our areas of expertise, I feel we can make a positive impact on the county,” DiBello said.
Row Officers Also Sworn In
Wednesday’s ceremony also featured remarks from several Montgomery County faith leaders, the musical stylings of the Norristown Area High School choir and a display from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office’s Honor Guard.
Along with the county commissioners, a slate of row officers were sworn in during Wednesday’s ceremony: Lori Schreiber as the clerk of courts; Karen Sanchez as controller; Dr. Janine Darby as coroner; Kevin R. Steele as the district attorney; Noah Marlier as the prothonotary; Jeanne Sorg as the recorder of deeds; Tina Lawson as register of wills; Sean P. Kilkenny as the sheriff; and Jason E. Salus as treasurer.
"Together, we will build a bright future that honors our diverse voices, upholds the dignity of all residents and sets a standard of excellence that others aspire to,” Winder said. "So here’s to a brighter more inclusive Montgomery County, a beacon of hope and a testament to what we can all achieve together.”
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