A Democratic majority last week took control of Bucks County government for the first time in more than three decades, as three county commissioners and four new row officers took their oaths of office.
The only incumbent to be sworn in was Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia, a 12-year minority commissioner who now becomes the new chairwoman of the Board of Commissioners. Her Democratic running mate, Commissioner Bob Harvie, a longtime teacher and Falls Township supervisor, will serve as vice chairman.
The other new commissioner is Republican Gene DiGirolamo, a veteran state legislator with a quarter-century of experience in the state House of Representatives.
It was the first time since 1984 that a Democratic majority was inaugurated in Bucks County – a reign that lasted only one term before Republicans took over in 1988 for 32 years.
Four new Democratic row officers also were sworn in at the inauguration.
Kris Ballerini, a former bank manager and Upper Makefield Township supervisor, will serve as treasurer. Attorney Linda Bobrin, who served as a Newtown Township supervisor, is the new Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court. Meredith J. Buck, a registered nurse and attorney, will serve as coroner. Brian Munroe, a former police officer and Warminster Township supervisor, is the new Clerk of Courts.
The Democratic commissioners named Gail Humphrey, who had served as first deputy recorder of deeds, the county’s chief clerk. They also picked Joe Khan, a Democrat who ran for Philadelphia district attorney in 2017, as county solicitor.
