Gordon sworn in, begins second tenure

Tom Gordon began his second tenure as County Executive Tuesday, just one week after being elected back to his old office.

Gordon, who held the position from 1997 to 2004, took office Nov. 13, seven weeks earlier than anticipated.

He was welcomed back into the New Castle County Government Center at 8 a.m. by a crowd of county employees and supporters.

"It was great to see all of the county employees welcome me home," he said.

A "Welcome Back Tom!" banner was hung above the doors to the County Government building Tuesday morning. When Gordon entered with his family, the crowd erupted in applause.

In September, Gordon unseated incumbent Paul Clark in the democratic primary election.

"Today we will have an orientation on the problems and decide on what staff to bring to the county," Gordon said Tuesday. "We will be briefed on the issues we need to be briefed on."

Two new appointees began their new jobs Tuesday morning as well.

David Grimaldi was sworn in as chief administrative officer and Bernard Pepukayi has been appointed county attorney.

"Dave is a financial expert from Wall Street and Bernard is a fantastic attorney," Gordon said.

Gordon said he decided to run in 2012 because he didn't like the path that County government was on.

A ruling from the Attorney General's office last week said that Gordon could take office now rather than in January because Clark had never actually been elected to office.

When former County Executive now U.S. Senator Chris Coons began his tenure in Washington, D.C. two years ago, Clark was boosted from his role as County Council President to Executive per procedure.

Clark's term ended Friday night. Several of Clark's appointees sent out farewell e-mails last week to members of County Council informing them that Friday was their last day as well.