Jerry Knowles was sworn-in today as the newest member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Knowles won a special election last month to fill the remainder of Rep. David Argall's term in the 124th House District after Argall was elected to the state Senate.

The 124th District covers parts of Schuylkill and Berks counties.

Knowles is a former police officer. He served on the Tamaqua Borough Council and eventually as mayor of Tamaqua. He also served six years as a Schuylkill County commissioner and worked for 10 years on the House staff and as director of special projects for Rep. Argall.

With that kind of background, expect Knowles to hit the ground running.

The addition of Knowles gives Republicans 99 seats in the 203-member House.

Learn more about Knowles at his legislative Web site, http://www.repknowles.com/