'Historic' Swearing-In Of Montco Commissioners To Draw Huge Crowd

NORRISTOWN, PA — More than a thousand are expected in attendance at the upcoming swearing in of the new guard in Montgomery County leadership.

A trio of county commissioners completely different than a year ago is set to take office, with Jamila H. Winder, Neil K. Makhija, and Thomas DiBello all relative newcomers.

Winder is the only incumbent, and she only took office after former Commissioner Val Arkoosh was named the state Secretary of Human Services last year. She will now take the banner of chair of the three person board.

She's joined by fellow Democrat Neil K. Makhija, who won a seat in the general election following longtime Commissioner Ken Lawrence's retirement. Lawrence had served the county for six years.

Republican DiBello, meanwhile, defeated Joe Gale during the primary and gained a few more votes than fellow Republican Liz Ferry.

The swearing-in ceremony will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 11 a.m. at the Montgomery County Community College Health Science Center main gymnasium.

Officials said they have 1,100 individuals registered to watch the event in person, describing the occasion of a fully new board as "historic."

The Science Center is located on 595 Cathcart Road in Blue Bell.