McKean County elected officials take oath of office

In addition to Pavlock, others sworn in were Commissioners Carol Duffy, Clifford Lane and Thomas Kreiner; District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer; Treasurer Melissa Jo Smith; Register of Wills Wendy Yaros; Recorder of Deeds Anne Bosworth; Mayor James McDonald of Bradford City; Supervisor John Ryan of Lafayette Township; Supervisor Jeffrey Rhinehart of Eldred Township; Councilman Charles Paar of Mount Jewett; Coroner Michael Cahill; Supervisor James Trussell of Hamlin Township; Supervisor Chris Carlson of Sergeant Township; Supervisor James Thomas of Norwich Township; and Auditor Tena Emerson of Norwich Township.

Deacon Deb Cavagnaro of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Smethport offered an invocation and benediction.

“Today is a ceremony that is unique to our democracy,” said Cleland, who explained it is both a celebration and a solemn occasion. While it is a celebration, it is solemn because the oath “is a promise that they make to each of us.”

Cleland described the promise — which includes upholding the Constitution — as well as the sacrifices each elected official makes as a servant of the public.

“It is the Constitution that binds us all together and assures the preservation of our democracy,” said Cleland.

Pavlock wished the candidates the best, praising their willingness to serve.

“Win or lose, it’s not easy to put yourself out there,” he said.

Pavlock said that during his own campaign this year, there were “last minute surprises” that were difficult to deal with. Despite the hardship, “I am thankful for those surprises because they led to so many blessings,” said the judge.

He recalled a recent day in a local store when a man he knew years ago approached him and gave him words of encouragement, which Pavlock felt was an “unexpected show of emotion” from the man. “I will never forget that kind gesture from that incident.”

Now, Pavlock chooses “to move forward with optimism.”

Shaffer gave a few words, too, upon taking her oath of office, saying, “Thank you for placing the operation of the District Attorney’s office in my hands and in the hands of my coworkers.”

For his part, McDonald said being mayor is not only “a great responsibility, but it’s also a great opportunity to serve.”

Regarding his upcoming term in Mount Jewett, Paar said he hopes to take the “dog and pony show” that he said currently exists there and turn the borough “back into the respected and responsible government that Mount Jewett deserves.”

A reception was held in the courthouse rotunda following the ceremony.