Lawrence County panelists to be sworn into office

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The nine Lawrence County residents charged with studying the county's government structure will be sworn into office at noon Friday by President Judge Ralph D. Pratt of common pleas court.
The commission was formed in November when residents approved a study of government by referendum. Voters also elected a panel of nine people from a list of 31 who were seeking the nonpaying, nonpartisan job.
Those serving on the study commission are D. John Razzano, Gary L. Clark Sr., Amy E. Lamb, Janet Verone, Thomas A. Shumaker, Elizabeth M. Verterano, Wendell B. Wagner, Gale E. Measel Jr. and Helen Jackson.
Shumaker said he expects the group to have a short meeting after the swearing-in ceremony to set a date for their first formal meeting in January.
Shumaker said the January meeting will likely consist of electing a chairman and vice chairman and setting procedures.
Group members will spend their first six months reviewing county operations and then decide if another form of government should be investigated. They will then have three months to decide if an optional form is best or if a new form that they would create, called home rule, should be crafted.
If they choose home rule, the study commission will have nine months to write a county charter.
Any recommendations would go back to voters for approval.