New Commissioner Joins the Board at Jan. 3 Baldwin Township Reorganization Session

Recently Elected Officials Sworn-In

“All across our commonwealth, on the first business day of the month of January, in an even-numbered year, officers of the judicial branch are called on to perform one of the most solemn acts that a judicial officer can do—to administer the oath of office to elected members of our local governments.”

So spoke Magisterial District Judge David J. Barton at the outset of Tuesday night’s reorganization session of the Baldwin Township Board of Commissioners, when three commissioners were sworn-in to their terms of service.

Before administering the oath of office, Barton shared some insights and advice with the winners of the township’s —incumbents and newcomer .

Barton outlined the historical significance of the raising of the right hand when taking an oath, explaining that it derived from medieval times when criminals’ right hands were branded to provide an indication of their crimes, which prevented them from holding any office.

He then went on to say:

“In modern times, for local government, perhaps, instead, I should ask each of you to show me your ears, because they are (fundamentally important items) for serving in local government.

“My advice is that you have to be willing to listen to competing views, because the collective wisdom and judgment is greater than that of any one individual member of the government. Give those other views mature consideration and don’t rush to judgment. Take time to examine your own views.

“Your lesson tonight, from this oath, beside from the promise contained in the words, is that it is not only your time to talk but also to listen.”

Following these words, Snyder, Downey and Pellegrino were each sworn-in and signed official papers.

Some Seat-Shifting

Incumbent board President Eileen Frisoli said that, in the board’s pre-agenda meeting, a resolution passed appointing her to hold her post as President.

During the meeting, Frisoli acknowledged Darrell Bichler, the board’s former vice president who stepped down from the board this year. Though Bichler is no longer a township commissioner, his municipal service has not ended, as the board unanimously passed a resolution appointing him to ’s Civil Service Board.

Pellegrino will serve as the commissioners’ newest vice president, and Frisoli will be Parks and Recreation chair, filling another of Bichler’s former roles. Snyder will be Frisoli’s assistant in that capacity.

In other reorganization news, Pellegrino will join Frisoli as the vice chair of Administration and Finance, and Frisoli and Snyder will serve as alternate representatives to the South Hills Area Council of Governments.

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