Democrats Hold Bucks County Row Office Seats After Inauguration

For the first time in recent history – some say dating back to the Civil War – all of Bucks County’s elected row officers are Democrats.

After a nationally watched election last November that ousted Republicans from county seats, the Democratic row officers took their oaths of office at the Bucks County Administration Building in Doylestown Borough Monday morning.

Bucks County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Raymond McHugh opened the ceremony and turned it over to county Commissioner Chairperson Diane Ellis-Marseglia, a Democrat and the longest serving commissioner on the board.

“You are truly the front line of government for the citizens,” said Ellis-Marseglia.

The longtime Democratic official said the inauguration put a smile on her face, but she vowed to work with officials and residents regardless of party.

With families by their sides, the row officers were sworn in one by one before a packed meeting room, which drew residents and officials from around the county.

Donna Petrecco, a former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader, marketing professional, and Pennsbury School Board member, was sworn in as prothonotary by Court of Common Pleas Judge Jordan Yeager.

The prothonotary serves as the chief clerk for civil court matters in the county, involved in district court appeals, custody matters, divorces, liens, and the protection from abuse process.

Danny Ceisler, who is an attorney and U.S. Army veteran, took the oath of office for sheriff from his mother, Commonwealth Court Judge Ellen Ceisler.

The sheriff’s responsibilities include serving warrants, making arrests, transporting prisoners to and from the Court of Common Pleas, handling civil matters, overseeing sheriff’s sales, and maintaining peace.

Joe Khan, an attorney, was sworn in for the job of district attorney by Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty.

The district attorney is the county’s top law enforcement official, overseeing the prosecution of criminal cases, a team of prosecutors, support staff, victim support staff, and the Bucks County Detectives.

Neale Dougherty, who previously served as controller before being voted out, was sworn in to return to the controller’s office by Court of Common Pleas Judge Charissa Liller.

The controller serves as the county government’s fiscal watchdog, overseeing spending and other internal processes, and is able to conduct investigations into matters relating to county funds.

Robin Robinson, who previously served as recorder of deeds before being voted out, took the oath for her second term from Court of Common Pleas Judge Brian McGuffin.

The recorder of deeds office records and keeps records for all real estate documents, military discharge documents, public commissioners, and notary services.

The returning and new row officers mingled with the crowd after the ceremony.

Ceisler was spotted shortly after heading into the Bucks County Justice Center to begin his work as the county’s new sheriff.

The ceremony featured an invocation and benediction by the Rev. Dr. MacHenry G. Schafer II of Doylestown Presbyterian Church, and the National Anthem was performed by Bethany Pocceschi.

Throughout this week, newly-elected Democratic court of common pleas judges will be sworn in at investiture ceremonies. Linda Bobrin, Amy Fitzpatrick, Dawn DiDonato Burke, and Tiffany Thomas-Smith will all be sworn in at the Justice Center.

Bobrin served as the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court and is resigning to assume the judgeship.