Judges, county officials sworn in to office
After vowing to carry out their duties and uphold the U.S. and state Constitutions Monday, a newly elected Butler County Common Pleas Court judge, four new and reelected magisterial district judges and several reelected county officials began their new terms in office.
Common Pleas Judge Joe Kubit, who was elected last year, newly elected magisterial district judges Kevin J. Flaherty, Amy M. Marcinkiewicz and Joseph J. Nash, reelected Magisterial District Judge William T. Fullerton, Clerk of Court Lisa Weiland Lotz, Sheriff Michael T. Slupe, Coroner William F. Young III and Controller Benjamin A. Holland were sworn into office during the county's inauguration ceremonies.
U.S. District Judge Marilyn J. Horan, a former county judge, administered the oath of office to Kubit.
“It's good to be home,” Horan said, before swearing in Kubit, who was elected to a 10-year term and has been assigned to serve in the family court division.
After Kubit affirmed, “I do,” to the oath, his wife Susan, daughter Julie and his former law office partner Lee Montgomery placed his robe on him.
“I am honored and humbled to have the confidence of the people of Butler County,” Kubit said after the ceremony. “I am looking forward to it with great anticipation.”
Kubit is replacing former Judge Thomas Doerr, who did not seek reelection.
Common Pleas Court Judge Kelley T.D. Streib administered the oath of office to the magisterial district judges.
Flaherty, the county's former chief public defender, is taking over magisterial district court 50-3-04, which covers Cranberry Township and the surrounding southwest region of the county. He is replacing David Kovach, who did not seek reelection.Streib, who was once the magisterial district judge in that court, gave Flaherty a special gavel.“It's very humbling. I'm appreciative of the opportunity,” Flaherty said after the ceremony. “I'm looking forward to serving the citizens of Cranberry and the citizens of Butler County.”He said he is looking forward to working with Nash, Marcinkiewicz and Fullerton.Flaherty also said he believes Charles Nedz will do a good job as the county's new chief public defender.
Marcinkiewicz, a former television reporter, said the day was bittersweet due to the death of her daughter last year. Her daughter, Emma Grace Weaver, died at age 19 on June 18.“I carry on for her,” Marcinkiewicz said after the ceremony. “I want to do a great job for our community. I'm going to put my heart and soul into my job.”She is taking over magisterial district court 50-3-06, which covers Evans City and the surrounding southwest region of the county. Former district judge Wayne Seibel did not seek reelection to the position.
Joe Nash, an attorney who is taking over district court 50-3-01, which covers Slippery Rock and the surrounding northwest region of the county, said the inauguration marked an ending and beginning.“It was kind of thrilling. It's a day of endings and beginnings for me,” Nash said.Former district judge William O'Donnell did not seek reelection.Fullerton, who was elected to his second term covering magisterial district court 50-3-05, which includes Butler City, said the ceremony made him feel like he was being sworn in for the first time.“It's an incredible honor. I'm humbled that Butler's citizens chose me,” he said.After the judges were sworn in, President Judge S. Michael Yeager administered the oath of office to Lotz, who is beginning her eighth term in office; Slupe, who began his fourth term; Young, who began his sixth term; and Holland, who is starting his third term.“May you all have long, illustrious careers,” Yeager said to the officials at the conclusion of the ceremony.Yeager, who presided over the ceremony, also announced that recently retired Common Pleas Court Judge William R. Shaffer is now a senior judge. Shaffer is the first senior judge assigned to the county since 2011, Yeager said.
