Darnold to take reins of county office

Senior Judge David Darnold was sworn in to office as Vernon County presiding commissioner Thursday morning. A Democrat, Darnold replaces Republican Charles Johnson, who resigned as presiding commissioner to take a position with a local financial services company.

Tom and Virginia Pyle, along with other prominent local Democrats and city and county officials were on hand to watch Tammi Beach swear Darnold in. After taking the oath of office Darnold spoke a few words.

"I suppose I should say something about my background, that always seems appropriate at these times. I have a degree in business management and thought that was the direction my life would take, so I do have some experience in this area. I've worked with both non-profit and for-profit companies, although to be honest some of the for-profit companies didn't make any profits to speak of." Darnold said.

"I think I was one of the last to know I'd been appointed. I knew that there was a possibility that I would be but I didn't find out until late Monday. I had a very busy three days and someone came into the office Monday with a printout of an e-mail and said someone named Russ Warren said I'd been appointed and would I give him a call to discuss it. I have to apologize because I just didn't get to it."

Darnold said that his appointment came at a critical time for the county, the budget needs to be finalized and set. "Setting the budget is one of the most important functions of a commission, every office depends on having the funds to operate and the time is fast approaching when the budget needs to be put out for review."

Darnold concluded his remarks in a jocular manner. "As a matter of fact the budget needs to be finished before the end of the month or no one on the county payroll gets a paycheck, and since that now includes me I guess we better get to work."

After the ceremony Darnold took congratulations from several of the people gathered to welcome him.

Nevada City Manager Craig Hubler said, "I look forward to working with the new commissioner as I always have with the old."

Darnold said Nevada was his hometown and he heard that many good things were happening in Nevada and was glad of a chance to be part of it.

"I've lived in Nevada just about all my life. I like projects and challenges and I thought this might be an interesting challenge. I think I see some good things coming for the area," Darnold said.