Delaware County Councilmembers and Row Officers Sworn into Office
Media, PA — Delaware County Councilmembers Richard Womack and Joanne Phillips, Register of Wills Vincent Rongione, Sheriff Siddiq Kamara, and Controller Louis Rosenthal were sworn in to begin four-year terms while District Attorney Tanner Rouse was sworn in to finish the final two years of new Court of Common Pleas judge Jack Stollsteimer’s term.
After the Induction Ceremony, County Council held its Organizational Meeting where Richard Womack was elected as Chair and Christine Reuther was elected as Vice Chair. Womack served as Vice Chair on the previous Council and Reuther has served on Council since 2020.
During the standing-room only Induction Ceremony, Womack was introduced by his granddaughter and surrounded by family and friends who celebrated his reelection. The Darby Township native reflected on his first four years on Council and looked ahead to the future.
“Being here on County Council is not an easy job,” Womack said. Sometimes it's a thankless job, but I am reminded that it's not about me, it's about the people of the county that I serve. I have stayed up many nights. I've shed many tears. I prayed a lot and thanked God for my family that’s been there for me. They ask why I continue to do this, and I do it because I love people, and they have embraced me.”
Phillips, who spent the last eight years as Delaware County Controller and has lived in Middletown Township for over 30 years, was introduced by her sister and had the Oath of Office administered by Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge Maria McLaughlin. Phillips discussed her commitment to the County and dedication to serving Delco residents on Council.
“I remain inspired by what the voters told me during this election,” Phillips said. “They told me to keep working hard, use my common sense, keep moving the county forward, implement changes as efficiently and effectively as we can, use our resources wisely, and take care of our people.”
Rongione, a Havertown native and Upper Darby resident, was sworn in as Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court by his predecessor in the office, Rachel Ezzell Berry, and had his bible held by his son and daughter. Rongione has served as Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court since his appointment in January 2024 and will begin a full four-year term.
“It truly is the honor of my life to hold this office and serve this community of my friends and neighbors,” Rongione said. “It is thrilling and daunting to understand that this is a quasi-judicial office and that the rule of law is our most sacred institution in the United States.”
Kamara was introduced by Councilmember Dr. Monica Taylor and surrounded by family and friends as he became the youngest Sheriff in the country. The Upper Darby native reflected on his upbringing as the son of Liberian immigrants and outlined his vision for the office.
“My goal as Sheriff is pretty simple,” Kamara said. “I want to modernize our department and bring more efficiency than ever. At the same time, I also want to increase community engagement. I want people to know what we do and that we're responsible for Delaware County.”
Rosenthal, who lives in Newtown Township and volunteers with the Newtown Fire Company, was joined by his wife and had his Oath of Office administered by Delaware County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Linda Cartisano. Rosenthal gave a detailed account of why he’s so excited to be the next Delaware County Controller.
“This is a very, very meaningful role for a very, very special County,” Rosenthal said. “Life is sometimes more difficult and challenging for some of our neighbors than for us, and people commit themselves to public service to make it better. And that's really the attraction to me.”
Rouse, who lives in Swarthmore, has served as the First Assistant District Attorney since 2020 and was sworn in with his family by his side. He shared the importance of being the top-ranking law enforcement official in Delaware County, expressing gratitude and an excitement to get started.
“The only way to earn what I have been given is to do exactly that,” Rouse said. “It's to earn it. I promise everyone in this room, regardless of your title, regardless of your partisan beliefs, that I and my team will work every day to make you proud of this office and to show that we are an example of government at its best.”
Council will convene for their first official meeting on Wednesday January 7 at 6 PM. The meeting is open to the public and can be livestreamed online at delcopa.gov/meetings.