Republicans takes majority on County Board of Commissioners, but split on 1st vote

From left, county commissioners Joe Pitre, R-Farmington, Sean Leavitt, R-Dover and board chair George Maglaras, D-Dover. (Cliff Newton)

DOVER - For the first time in recent history Republicans hold the majority on the Strafford County Board of Commissioners, but their first vote taken shortly after their swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday saw the two Republicans split on signing the county budget.

"I wouldn't sign it," said Joe Pitre, R-Farmington.

Fellow Republican Sean Leavitt of Dover, a political newcomer, however, made a motion to sign the budget, and longtime chairman of the board, Democrat George Maglaras of Dver, seconded it.

Pitre, a fiscal conservative, said on Wednesday he thought there was a lot of fat that could've been cut.

Also sworn in by Superior Court Judge Mark E. Howard were Katherine Mone as sheriff, the county's first female sheriff; Treasurer Pamela J. Arnold, County Attorney Emily Garod, Register of Deeds Catherine Berube and Jan Nedelka, register of probate.

The roughly 10-minute ceremony took place in Courtroom One after which most of the contingent enjoyed a quick lunch at the courthouse's basement cafe.

Democrats had held sway over the board for decades since they were voted in on an at-large basis, but last year the New Hampshire Legislature approved a bill that created three districts, which led to Republicans gaining some ground.

Maglaras has derided the bill as unconstitutional and had threatened to take the case to the state supreme court.