BLUE BELL, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Wednesday was a historic day in Montgomery County, as its new board of commissioners was sworn in — including the first African American woman elected to Montgomery County's board and the first Asian American to be elected as a county commissioner in Pennsylvania.
Jamila Winder was appointed to the Montgomery County board in February, but after becoming the first Black woman to be elected to the board, she called this swearing-in "surreal," noting her grandmother is about to celebrate her 104th birthday.
"I traveled to Abingdon, Virginia, where my grandmother grew up some 100-plus years ago, and to have this moment and have her still be living, to bear witness to it, is just huge for me," said Winder.
"I am filled with immense gratitude for this opportunity to serve the county that has been my home, my foundation and my inspiration for over four decades."
Neil Makhija is sworn in as a Montgomery County commissioner during a Wednesday ceremony at Montgomery County Community College.Jim Melwert/KYW Newsradio
Neil Makhija was sworn in as the first South Asian and Asian American county commissioner in Pennsylvania. He noted not only the historic nature of the event, but also that all three members on the board are newly elected, for the first time in more than a decade.
"It's a real major opportunity to chart a direction in the county and bring some fresh ideas and new leadership," he said, while acknowledging the importance of making sure everyone has a voice in their government.
"The place that I think we can sincerely do that best, the place where we are closest to everyday people's lives, is here in county government," said Makhija.
Tom DiBello, the lone Republican on the board, said he is looking forward to working together with his fellow commissioners on solutions to issues faced by the county.
Tom DiBello is sworn onto the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners during a Wednesday ceremony at Montgomery County Community College. He is the board's sole Republican.Jim Melwert/KYW Newsradio
"As long as we go in, we keep politics out the door, and we focus on what's important in Montgomery County, I think that we're going to be in a much better spot," he said.
"Many voters expressed their tiring upset with the political division within our government. My goal is to work as a team, which will … demonstrate that different political parties can work together to improve and advance Montgomery County."
Rather than electing one chair for the four-year term, the three county commissioners have agreed to rotate leadership, with each of them serving as chairperson for one year.
