Juniata County elected officials take oath of office

MIFFLINTOWN -- Juniata County elected officials attended a swearing in ceremony Thursday at the Juniata County Courthouse with President Judge Kenneth Mummah and Common Pleas Judge Andrew Bender officiating.

During this ceremony, each elected official stands before the judges, raises their right hand with their left on the bible and repeats the words spoken to them after stating their name.

"I solemnly swear or affirm that I will support, obey and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this Commonwealth and that I will perform the duties of my office with fidelity."

First to take the oath in front of friends, family and community members was Magisterial District Judge Joshua Imes. On Jan. 4, Imes will take over for Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline Leister who has served the county for 36 years.

County Commissioners Alice Gray, Todd Graybill and Mark Partner then took their oath together. Gray, who was re-elected for her third term, was appointed to complete a 16-month term for a commissioner who passed away during his period of office.

"We don't agree on everything, but I am very proud to work with these two guys," Gray said.

Lee Snyder followed to take his oath as county coroner. "It's been an honor and a privilege to serve the county for over 30 some years," Snyder said.

"Lee is not a man of many words, but he is always there when you need him and works well with the families," Judge Mummah added.

Republicans Miriam Anstine and Christie Yorks as well as Democratic Laura Cunningham then took their oath as auditors.

Republican Lori Ferry, who won re-election as prothonotary, took her oath to begin her fifth term in office.

Republican Cory Snook stood before Judge Mummah and Judge Bender at the end of the ceremony when he swore the oath of office in front of his community. Snook was re-elected to another term in office as district attorney.