Andy Close
WARREN, Pa. – The gavel has officially been passed.
After serving as the Chairman of the Warren County Board of Commissioners for five years, Ben Kafferlin handed off those duties to fellow Commissioner Tricia Durbin during Wednesday’s meeting.
Kafferlin had served in the post since September of 2017.
“I’m happy to pass the gavel to friend and Co-Commissioner Tricia Durbin,” Kafferlin said. “A lot has changed since I took over as chair, especially in my personal life. I’m now married with a child. The evening and weekend meetings and events are eating away into family time and I think it’s time for a fresh face.”
Durbin, who took office in 2020, will now take over that role.
“I will do the best that I can for the county and be transparent, honest, and open,” Durbin said. “I have much respect for the two other individuals that I serve with. We have a great team here and I want to keep that moving and allow Ben to spend more time with his family.”
Kafferlin said it’s his hope that the top vote-getter in the election takes over the role of chair.
“I also want to try and quash that previous custom,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a helpful one. I believe that each board should determine for themselves who the chair should be.”
Kafferlin stressed that there is a lot on the table, but is also proud of the recent work the commissioners have done.
“We’ve upgraded the emergency radio system, launched Innovault, closed the landfill, and have done a lot of facility upgrades, just to name a few,” Kafferlin said. “There’s still a lot of things to do.”
Durbin agreed, while also stressing the need for continued diligence as the county continues to work on a number of projects.
“I hope everyone will exercise patience,” she said.
Kafferlin will take over the role of Vice Chairman and Jeff Eggleston as Secretary.
