In a vote down party lines, the Abington Board of Commissioners Thursday night appointed McKinley resident and Abington Senior High School Graduate Lawrence Jones to replace Ward 3 Commissioner Richard Gaglianese, who stepped down late last month to deal with personal matters.

Republican Commissioner Carol Gillespie nominated Jones; Democrat, and Board Vice President Wayne Luker nominated former Commissioner Michael O’Connor. 

Both candidates had supporters from the audience speak on their behalf. 

The vote was 9-5.

After the meeting, Jones said that he reached out to Gaglianese after he stepped down, as well as members of the Abington Township Rockledge Borough Republican Organization, and his family. He said he has never served as an elected official, but said being a commissioner comes with a “high level of responsibility.” 

Jones is the CEO of the Richard Allen Preparatory Charter School in Philadelphia. See more about that here.

Jones has two children who attend McKinley Elementary School. He is a 1988 Abington High School graduate and played offensive tackle on the football team.