New and re-elected officials take oath of office at Trumbull courthouse

Staff report

WARREN

Monday’s swearing-in ceremony was the first one for new Trumbull County Probate Judge James Fredericka, but it was the 12th one for Michael O’Brien, elected state representative in November.

The ceremony at the Trumbull County Courthouse celebrated newly elected officials — two getting new jobs, six being re-elected and one — county Commissioner Mauro Cantalamessa — being elected to fill an unexpired term after being appointed.

O’Brien, elected state representative for the 64th District for the Warren area, said he was blessed with two good parents, including his mother, longtime county Clerk of Courts Margaret O’Brien.

State Rep. Sean O’Brien, D-63rd, of Bazetta Township, did not attend.

County Commissioner Dan Polivka, who served as host for the event, said Darlene Fuda, wife of re-elected commissioner Frank Fuda, deserves the “good-wife award” for tolerating the amount of time her husband spends at his job.

Cantalamessa was sworn in as commissioner for two more years. He was appointed last summer to replace Paul Heltzel, who died in June.

County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins gave the oath of office to Fredericka, whom he’s known since they worked at the prosecutor’s office together in 1973.

Judge Cynthia Wescott Rice was sworn in to her third term on the Warren-based 11th District Court of Appeals by her husband, Judge Ronald Rice of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court. Her colleague, Judge Timothy P. Cannon, took the oath as well.

Common Pleas Judge Peter Kontos and county Auditor Adrian Biviano were sworn in again after having no opponents in November.