The Abington Board of Commissioners at a special meeting last night elected a commissioner to replace Carol DiJoseph, who retired at the end of last year.
The Board elected Thomas John Farren Sr., a Louise Road resident, by a vote of 9-5.
There were two nominations for DiJoseph’s replacement: Commissioner Dennis Zappone nominated Farren and commissioner John Spiegelman nominated Joe Smith. The vote went to Farren first, and he got the majority. The vote went down party lines with all of the Republicans supporting Farren.
District Justice Juanita Price swore in the new commissioner, who stood with his wife and children, and then Farren quickly got to work, sitting in on the public works and code enforcement committee meetings. Farren is a now a member of the public safety and public works committees.
Farren, who has never held public office, said after the meeting that he reached out to DiJoseph when he heard that she was stepping down. A member of the Glenside Gardens Civic Association, Farren said that he wanted to get more involved with the community. He had a meet-and-greet with the Abington Township Rockledge Borough Republican Organization, was interviewed and ultimately got the nod.
Farren has an MA from LaSalle University in bilingual and bicultural studies and attended St. Joseph’s Prep High School — where he is now a Spanish teacher.
After the meeting, board president Peggy Myers and township manager Michael LeFevre said jokingly that it was a tough first meeting for Farren, as the meeting lasted almost four hours.
"I told him usually we're out of here by 9:30 or 10 o'clock!" Myers said.
Victor B. Krievins
7:18 am on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Welcome Tom. You in the #1 Township. You will make us all proud
Marc L.
8:18 am on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
I am SHOCKED that they picked a Republican to fill this seat. SHOCKED! This is my shocked face.
Well...we asked for transparency in government and we're certainly getting it.
John Monaghan
12:32 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Hey Marc, I'll gladly bet you lunch that if we put your resume up against Tom Farren's that you would come up on the short end. If you win, you pick the place, if I win it will either be the Keswick Tavern or the Glenside Pub.....I want to be easy on your wallet.
Marc L.
5:51 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
John: It's a joke. Two Dems & Two Republicans step down, and Four Republicans all get their spots. The only way the GOP can win back seats is this way. It'll all change again when the VOTERS get their say. You know, the people these partisan politicians are supposed to be representing with their votes.
John Monaghan
10:08 am on Wednesday, January 30, 2013
"The only way the GOP can win back seats is this way" -- Marc, keep drinking the Kool Aid. The fact is that good candidates can win local elections. There is no question that if the Dems controlled the Board that there would be 4 Dems in the spots. As long as Abington remains a community that people want to move to rather than from, the GOP will do well with voters.
Bill Sharp
7:33 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
I do not live in Abington Township, but knowing Tom Farren personally I can assure you that he will do an excellent job in representing Ward 12 - regardless of party affiliation. Congratulations Tom, and best of luck!
Charlotte Clarkson
9:23 am on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Knowing you since you were a teenager at the Prep I have full confidence that you will be dedicated to your new job. There could not be a more honest and pleasant person to fill it.