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Tina Polachek Gartley and William Amesbury are sworn in; Thomas Burke, who was retained in November election, is named president judge

By Sheena Delazio sdelazio@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
Sheena Delazio on Facebook   |   @TLSheenaDelazio on Twitter

New Luzerne County Judge Tina Polachek Gartley came full circle Monday morning when she took the oath of office.

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Luzerne County Judges (L-R) front row, Judge Chester Muroski, President Judge Thomas Burke, Judge Hugh Mundy. Back row, Judge Dave Lupas, Judge Tina Polachek Gartley, Judge William Amesbury and Joseph Augello.

Pete G. Wilcox / Times Leader photo

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Judge Tina Polachek Gartley, left, puts on her judges' robe after being sworn in as a Luzerne County judge on Monday during the Oaths of Office Ceremony for judges and county row officers at the Luzerne County Courthouse. Pictured with Judge Gartley is her family (L-R) husband Scott, and sons Shamus, 15, Ian, 7, and Josh 12.

Pete G. Wilcox / Times Leader photo

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In 1996, Judge Chester Muroski swore in Polachek Gartley as an assistant district attorney.

On Monday, the 43-year-old mother of three was again sworn in by Muroski, this time as his newest colleague.

“I’m very excited and proud and ready to do the job,” Polachek Gartley said later. “I believe in a fresh start. Luzerne County needs to heal and move forward.”

William Amesbury, 61, also was sworn in Monday as a county judge, and adorned in judicial robes after vowing to serve the county with fidelity.

“It’s our turn to restore confidence and trust to our county,” Amesbury said. “It’s time to go to work.”

Also on Monday, Judge Thomas Burke began another 10-year term after being retained in the November election. He was also selected to be the new president judge.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to continue to serve the citizens of Luzerne County as a judge on the county court,” Burke said.

Polachek Gartley and Amesbury will leave Sunday to attend a required week-long training school in State College. Until then, the two will fill in on motions court and then receive their schedules and assignments when they return.

Polachek Gartley said she and Amesbury will be among 60 new state judges in attendance at the school, where they will be together from 7 a.m. to dinner time.

“We have to make Luzerne County something for our children and grandchildren … to be proud of,” Amesbury said.

Polachek Gartley, who is the second woman elected to serve as judge in the county, said she believes her motherhood and experience will help her excel as judge.

“It’s been a long 10 months,” Polachek Gartley said. “It’s time to start the next phase in my life and Luzerne County.”

Amesbury’s family, including his wife, Karen, daughter Elizabeth and son William, held the Bible as he was sworn in, while Polachek Gartley’s sons, Shamus, Josh and Ian, held the Bible for their mother, while their father, Scott Gartley, stood by.

“I’m very happy (to swear in Gartley again),” Muroski told a crowd of dozens, who lined the first, second and third floors of the courthouse.

Burke said it was his privilege to swear in Amesbury, as they are longtime friends.

Both new judges received a standing ovation.

Polachek Gartley and Amesbury said they hope to bring openness and accountability to the bench, and look forward to working with the other four county judges.

“We really worked hard,” Polachek Gartley said about her campaign to become a county judge. “I come from a working-class family … from my first job working at the church bingo to today. It’s the American dream.”

Also sworn in Monday were several officials who retained office, including magisterial district judges Fred Pierantoni, Martin Kane, Diana Malast and Joseph Carmody, as well as a jury commissioner, Frank Semanski