Missoula County Welcomes Newly Elected Officials

As a new year approaches, many vow various resolutions. 2015 will be the year to lose 10 pounds, become more active or eat a healthier diet. A new year is the best time for new endeavors and Missoula County is no exception.

On the afternoon of Dec. 30, County Commissioner Jean Curtiss, along with Judges Ed McLean and John Larson swore in the County’s newly-elected officials.  The ceremony was witnessed by hallway crowded room of supporters.

Of the eight officials, only County Superintendent of Schools, Erin Lipkind, Justice of the Peace, Karen Orzech and County Auditor, Barbara Berens were reelected or retained. Berens took her oath of office earlier in the day, during the Commissioner’s public admin meeting.

"I'm sorry to have missed the high excitement of the swearing-in ceremony for five brand new elected officials!  Even with the smaller number of witnesses to my swearing-in earlier in the day, it was still an emotional moment for me," Berens said. "Though the office of the Auditor doesn't do anything particularly visible to the public, like collecting taxes or prosecuting criminals, it's gratifying to know that we're actively protecting the public's money every time we approve claims for payment or run a transparent procurement process."

The following newly-elected officials took their oath of office;

• County Commissioner, Nicole “Cola”  Rowley
• Sheriff/Coroner,  T.J. McDermott
• County Attorney,  Kirsten Pabst
• Clerk and Recorder/Treasurer,  Tyler Gernant
• Justice of the Peace Department 1,  Marie Anderson

After each took their oaths, Sheriff T.J. McDermott gave a brief speech thanking those who have supported him throughout his campaign.

“I am very honored to have been elected sheriff and to have the community’s trust and vote,” McDermott said. “It is something that I take very seriously. I will work diligently to be the best sheriff I can be for this community.”

County Attorney, Kirsten Pabst also shared her excitement, thanking her family and friends who had traveled across the country to witness the ceremony.

“I am really, really excited about the potential of walking into the county attorney’s office that has the finest prosecutors in the country,” Pabst said.

Welcome to all the incoming officials!