Abington Reorganizes, Appoints New President and VP

It was a busy night for the Abington Board of Commissioners last night as it appointed a new president, vice president and welcomed four new commissioners.

Following the swearing-in of nine commissioners before a packed board room, Abington Commissioner Steven Kline nominated Commissioner Wayne Luker for board president; there were no other nominations, and the motion passed unanimously. 

Luker, after former president Peggy Myers handed over her gavel, thanked his family and the board.

“I want to thank them for what they endured for 22 years,” Luker said. “It’s been a long time. I remember sitting here in 1992 … This is an honor and I consider it a vote of confidence that I will lead this board in a positive direction. My expectations are high that we all use our talents and energy to further the success of this first-class township.”

Luker then nominated Kline for vice president. Commissioner Dennis Zappone nominated Commissioner Lawrence Jones. Jones said he was “humbled” by the nomination, but declined. Jones then went on to nominate Myers for vice president, but Kline received nine votes. 

“I do look forward to working with everybody on this board and I’m excited about the energy and all the talent,” Kline said.

He also thanked his family for “putting up with him” for being out of the house as a commissioner.

The president and vice president will each serve a 2-year term.

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Prior to the appointments, newly-minted Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas Judge (and former Abington Commissioner) Gail Weilheimer administered the oath of office to the nine commissioners.

The returning commissioners are:

• Lawrence Jones, of Ward 3
• Stephen Kalinoski, of Ward 6
• Peggy Myers, of Ward 8
• Thomas Farren of Ward 12 and
• Lori Schreiber, of Ward 14

The newly-appointed commissioners are:

• Michael Markman, of Ward 2
• Jimmy DiPlacido, of Ward 4
• Benjamin Sanchez, of Ward 7 and 
• Tom Hecker, of Ward 10

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Other appointments included:

• Rex Herder as solicitor for a period not to exceed six months
• Jay Blumenthal as treasurer for a period of one year
• Michael Powers as township engineer for a period of two years
• Gregory Holt as Chairman of the Vacancy Board for a period of one year