In a short, simple courtroom ceremony, without the pomp and circumstance that often accompanies the inauguration of public officials, Michael Kuhn became a Lebanon County Commissioner, filling the vacancy created by the December death of William E. Ames Jr.

Read More: Mike Kuhn to be sworn in Tuesday as Lebanon County Commissioner

Standing before family, friends, and officials in Courtroom No. 1 of the Lebanon Municipal Building, the Republican swore to discharge the duties of the office with fidelity and to support and defend the Pennsylvania and United States Constitutions.

About 50 onlookers witnessed Kuhn take the oath of office in Courtroom No. 1. (LebTown)

As required by law, Lebanon County’s four Common Pleas Court judges chose Kuhn from a field of 24 applicants to complete Ames’ term, which expires in January 2024. President Judge John C. Tylwalk told the roughly 50 onlookers that the vote was unanimous.

Tylwalk noted that one of the other candidates interviewed by the judges actually endorsed Kuhn, saying, “If you don’t pick me, pick him.”

Kuhn thanked his family for their support and encouragement over the years. Referring to his decades-long record of community service, as reflected in the application he submitted, he said that “all the stuff you saw on that resume, all of my community involvement” would not have been possible without their support.

Commissioner Mike Kuhn, center, is joined by family after he was sworn in on Tuesday morning. With him are, left to right, son Alex, wife Yvonne, daughter Amelia, and son Adam. (LebTown)
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Chris Coyle writes primarily on government, the courts, and business. He retired as an attorney at the end of 2018, after concentrating for nearly four decades on civil and criminal litigation and trials. A career highlight was successfully defending a retired Pennsylvania state trooper who was accused,...