Towamencin supervisors deadlock on interim appointment after heated public comments

Towamencin Township held a March 3 special meeting to consider an interim appointment for a supervisor seat expiring Dec. 31, 2025, but the board failed to reach a majority and adjourned without filling the vacancy.

The meeting opened with Chair (unnamed) saying staff had advertised the seat and that 11 applications were received, with two later withdrawn, leaving nine applicants. Joyce, a township staff member who read emailed comments, presented several emailed objections to appointing Dan Bell, including statements that directly opposed his candidacy: "The comment was, in opposition to the appointment of Dan Bell," she read aloud.

Applicant Daniel Bell, who introduced himself to the board, outlined three priorities he said he would pursue if appointed: an "aligned and achievable plan" for community projects, rebuilding trust with constituents and moving local government beyond partisanship. "The board needs to lean into this moment, taking the reins to deliver on 3 key priorities," Bell said.

Several other applicants also spoke. Don Littman said his legal and public-service background would support transparency and inclusion; Steve McMasters, a long-time township public works employee, emphasized infrastructure knowledge; Vaughn Trader cited military service and cooperation; Rich Burlingame urged better public engagement and cited low resident review of the comprehensive plan; and Amir Bharguth said fiscal responsibility and pursuing federal and state funding would be priorities.

Public comment included sharply divided views about a prior incident and a recent resignation. Tom McLennan said he saw a video and called it "a disgrace" that someone was accused of giving a Nazi salute. Another commenter who had identified themselves from the floor said the gesture was a Nazi salute and said board members who did not speak up were "reprehensible." Jacqueline Trecail voiced support for named supervisors Joyce and Kofi and described the circulated emails as "gossipy and petty."

During board discussion, an unnamed supervisor who identified themself as the "vice chair of the Towamencin Democratic Association" described a prescreening process used to vet applicants (awarding points for prior government experience, a resume, and not suing the speaker), and said Dan Bell received a perfect score on that internal screening. Chair then moved to appoint Vincent ("Vince") Shepinski, citing his long record of local-board service; that motion was seconded but the board did not complete a final recorded roll-call vote on it before discussion continued.

The board later considered a motion by the vice chair to appoint Dan Bell, seconded by Joyce. The board called for a voice vote; the vice chair said "Aye," another voice said "Opposed," and Chair declared the board deadlocked and that business for the evening had concluded. No majority vote was recorded and no appointment was made. Chair then moved to adjourn; the motion was seconded and the meeting ended.

What happens next: the vacancy remains unfilled. The seat is scheduled for the upcoming election later this year, and the board did not set a follow-up meeting to resolve the appointment during this session.

(Reporting note: quotes and attributions come from the meeting transcript. Names and organizational references have been normalized to Towamencin Township where the transcript used variant spellings.)