Shortly after he was sworn in as a Flathead County commissioner Wednesday morning, Brad Abell returned to Columbia Falls to work his last day as a heavy-equipment operator for Weyerhaeuser, capping a career with the timber company that has spanned about 29 years and 8 months.

"It's kind of bittersweet," Abell, 61, said after his swearing-in ceremony at the county courthouse in Kalispell. "Next May would've been 30 years, and I kind of wanted to stay for 30 years. But there's no way I can do both jobs together."

Of his new job as a county commissioner, he added, "I plan to make this a 40-hour-a-week job."

Abell, a Republican, beat Democrat Kristen Larson in the November election with about 62% of the vote to represent District 1, which includes Columbia Falls and the northern portion of Flathead County. During his campaign, he cited his blue-collar background and said he would prioritize zoning and affordable housing development as the county's population continues to grow.

The Flathead County Commission has both legislative and executive authority over the county and its government departments, including an operating budget of more than $100 million.

Abell replaces Republican Phil Mitchell, who did not run for re-election after one six-year term. He's already scoped out his new office space and met with the other two commissioners, Republicans Pam Holmquist and Randy Brodehl.

Abell recited the oath of office Wednesday in a brief ceremony administered by Flathead County District Court Judge Heidi Ulbricht.

"I thank my wife for standing by me and everybody that voted for me," he said. "I'm ready."

Peg Allison, who has served 27 years as the Flathead County clerk of court, also was sworn in to begin another term Wednesday after she was re-elected in November.

Reporter Chad Sokol can be reached at 758-4434 or csokol@dailyinterlake.com