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Berks County's Newest County Commissioner
Commissioner Lucine Sihelnik and Family
Article and photos by Stephanie Weaver
Sihelnik Hoping To LEAD BY EXAMPLE
With her new ice cream business in full swing, Lucine E. Sihelnik didn’t have any plans to pursue another run at public office in 2023. But when Kevin Barnhardt announced he would be resigning from his role as County Commissioner with a year left on his term, Sihelnik saw it as yet another opportunity to step up and serve her community.
Of the more than 20 individuals who applied to fill Barnhardt’s spot, Sihelnik rose to the top because she didn’t intend to run for the position in the upcoming election. The Board of Judges said that factored into their selection because they felt it was important for the voters to choose the next duly elected Commissioner from an equal playing field.
“There are not many people out there who would drop their life for 11 months to come fill a position,” President Judge M. Theresa Johnson said during Sihelnik’s swearingin ceremony on Feb. 21. “You are a very special person, and we are really looking forward to working with you. … I think the County is in fantastic hands.”
Sihelnik, 42, believes the true calling of a public servant is to rise to the occasion and fulfill whatever need the community has in that moment. Years ago, that meant stepping in to lead the Penn Street Market when it faced elimination. It then became serving on City Council from 2018-2021, including two years as Vice President. And, most recently, it became opening the Great American Creamery to give downtown Reading a boost during a global pandemic.
Sihelnik also currently serves as an Alvernia Trustee and is on The Friends of the Reading Hospital Board and Reading Muhlenberg CTC Occupational Advisory Committee.
“It’s all been a demonstration of leadership when needed, where needed,” she said. “I’ve always had proven results and outcomes from what I do and that’s something I take a lot of pride in.”
During her tenure as the second female Commissioner in Berks County history, Sihelnik hopes to continue to lead by example, fostering a sense of shared purpose and strengthening the community’s circle of trust through transparency. As a proud resident of more than 20 years, she feels motivated to do whatever she can to bring the best opportunities to the community she lives in.
Berks County President Judge M. Theresa Johnson, outgoing Commission Kevin Barnhardt, and incoming commissioner, Lucine Sihelnik
“If I can work towards that, instead of falling into complaining, then I’m going to go out there and disrupt politely to bring the change that needs to happen,” she said.
Fellow Commissioners Christian Leinbach and Michael Rivera said they are looking forward to working with Sihelnik during the next year and believe her background and experience will serve as great assets to continue to move Berks forward.
“I know that she will be a great addition,” Leinbach said. “My only disappointment is that she is not running for the position.”
And even though she’s not quite ready to pursue an elected position beyond this appointment right now, Sihelnik said she isn’t ruling out future possibilities.
“There’s still this desire and fulfillment of purpose for me to work in this capacity,” she said. “This appointment will give me the opportunity to serve under a different set of circumstances and see if it is something I am interested in pursuing in the future.”
