Politics & Government

Fresh Face at the Bucks County Courthouse

Robert Loughery was sworn in as County Commissioner on Feb. 3.

Listening to Robert Loughery's boosters, it's easy to imagine them prefacing his name with such titles as Representative, Senator, or even Governor.

The office the Bedminster man is moving into has been a stepping stone to higher office for the three men who preceded him - Jim Cawley, Mike Fitzpatrick and Mark Schweiker.

For now, though, those supporters will have to make due with Bucks County Commissioner.

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Loughery assumed that title when he was sworn into office on Feb. 3, and he will put it to good use Wednesday as he joins his colleagues in presiding over his first official business meeting. The Bucks County commissioners meet at 10 a.m. at the courthouse in Doylestown.

A 1987 graduate of Central Bucks East High School, Loughery got his start in politics under the tutelage of Jim Greenwood. Then a student at Greenwood's alma mater, Dickinson College, Loughery offered to do whatever the state senator needed.

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That ended up being quite a lot.

Quickly impressed with Loughery's intellect and personality, Greenwood relied on the young man during his career and campaigns for state senator and, later, congress.

"He was not only my driver, he was my protector," Greenwood said during the ceremony marking Loughery's swearing in. "Now he's going to be the protector for all of Bucks County."

Loughery joins fellow Republican commissioner Charley Martin and Democrat Diane Ellis-Marseglia to direct Bucks County government at a time of financial strain.

"Yes, we're going to have to make hard choices," Loughery said at his swearing in, "not unlike the more than 220,000 households in this county.

"I can tell you I understand," he added, saying there "hasn't been a day in the past two-plus years my partners and I haven't wrestled with this, with what bills get paid and when, how do we keep people employed. You adapt and improvise."

Loughery is a partner in Keystone Redevelopment Group, which acquires and redevelops dilapidated properties into high-tech, advanced manufacturing and research facilities. He is turning over his day-to-day duties at Keystone to his partners but will remain involved in the firm.

His background in economic development surely will come into play in the months to come.

"I intend to lead on this issue, and I intend to lead boldly," Loughery said.

During his swearing in, Loughery thanked many people, including Greenwood, Bucks County Republican Party leaders, and the county judges who appointed him to the post.

He also thanked God and his family.

"God takes us deeper into desires and opens doors to make them happen," he said, adding a tribute to his mother: "She's the greatest example in my life of selfless love."

Loughery and his wife, Kathy, live in Bedminster and have three daughters, Grace, Evelyn and Amelia.


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