Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy officially took the oath of office on Dec. 20 for her second term that begins next month. McCarthy was re-elected in the Nov. 6 General Election. The oath was administered by her husband, Superior Court Judge John McCarthy, and Superior Court Judge Ronald Culpepper. She said she is proud of the extraordinary efforts by county employees to improve customer service amid the toughest economic conditions in generations. “It’s a privilege to serve,” she said. “I am excited about the opportunities we have to keep making our community even better.”