Padora Will Be Schuylkill Commissioners Chairman in 2024

Commissioner-elect Larry Padora is expected to be named Chairman of the board of Commissioners when he takes office in 2024.

The board will be officially seated on Jan. 2, 2024, and their first official meeting is set for 10 a.m. on Jan. 3.

On Wednesday, current-Commissioners Chairman Boots Hetherington announced he will not be in that position next year when he, Padora, and minority Commissioner Gary Hess begin their term that runs through 2027.

Padora was the top vote-getter in the 2023 Election. Hetherington finished second and Hess was third.

“It’s basically my farewell as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed serving as Schuylkill County Commissioner since April of 2020,” Hetherington said.

Hetherington used the opportunity to take some not-so-subtle digs at his absent colleague, George Halcovage, who had his Courthouse access banned last week, ahead of what would have been his final meeting as Commissioner.

“I responded to a huge void in leadership and became Chairman of the board. I’m proud of the accomplishments Commissioner Hess and I have been able to get across the finish line in the last 3-1/2 years, while at the same time, faced some very huge challenges,” he said. 

Later, he said, “It was a pleasure serving with Commissioner Hess. He is a dedicated, thoughtful public servant.”

Hetherington considers the addition of a 9-1-1 tower in western Schuylkill County as the greatest accomplishment during his term as Chairman. 

During his remarks on Wednesday, Hetherington also thanked County Administrator Gary Bender, whom he referred to as “invaluable” as well as other department heads at the Courthouse, many of whom were appointed during his short term as Chairman.

Finally, Hetherington thanked the support of his wife, Robin, whom he referred to as “my rock” and his three daughters and three sons-in-law.

“Thank you to everyone who has helped me along this journey as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners,” he said. “I thank you all.”

You can watch Hetherington’s full remarks here: