New Board Order

With the resignation of Abington Board of Commissioners President Carol DiJoseph late last month [see story here], the board needed to take care of some housekeeping.

At its meeting last night, the board elected a new president and vice president.

• Vice president Peggy Myers was elected president by a vote of 10-4.
• Commissioner Wayne Luker was elected vice president by a unanimous vote.

There were two nominations for president; commissioner Dennis Zappone nominated Myers and commissioner John Spiegelman nominated commissioner Steven Kline.

“I feel commissioner Kline has, under many circumstances, including the Wawa hearing and the non-discrimination ordinance, taken a very tough leadership role in the face of adversity and opposition,” Spiegelman said.   

Kline, reading a statement, said that he would “bring the board to a new direction” and would help create a “sustainable future,” though he prefaced this by saying, “I’m happy to be nominated for president; I have no illusions of political calculus being in my favor.”

Kline nominated Luker for vice president.

Filling the void

Abington Township Manager Michael LeFevre said the board will hold a special meeting before the committee meetings on Monday, Jan. 28 to introduce the candidates.

“I’m sure each party will put somebody up, so we'll meet them, the person would be sworn in and that person would be able to take part in the committee meeting,” LeFevre said. 

The board has until Jan. 31 to find a replacement for DiJoseph.

… and another void

Commissioner Richard Gaglianese announced that he would be stepping down from the board effective Feb. 28.

Reading a brief statement during closing comments, Gaglianese said that he is resigning due to personal reasons. He said that he is disappointed that he couldn’t complete his entire term. Myers seemed surprised by the statement and said, "I am at a loss for words."