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Towamencin Township board accepts resignation of Supervisor Laura Smith after social‑media backlash
Summary
Facing weeks of public outcry over a social‑media video, the Towamencin Township Board of Supervisors held a special meeting Feb. 4, 2025, to accept Supervisor Laura Smith’s resignation. Dozens of residents urged accountability; the board approved the resignation by voice vote and outlined a process to fill the vacancy.
The Towamencin Township Board of Supervisors voted Feb. 4, 2025, to accept the resignation of Supervisor Laura Smith after extensive public comment about a social‑media video that residents said evoked a Nazi salute.
The special meeting, called to accept Smith’s resignation, drew dozens of residents who gave emailed and in‑person statements demanding accountability, apology and, in several cases, the resignation of other supervisors for perceived silence. Supervisor Joyce Snyder moved to accept the resignation; Supervisor Kofi Osei seconded the motion and the board approved it by voice vote.
Why it matters: Residents said the video damaged community trust and warranted immediate action. Several speakers described personal and family histories tied to the Holocaust and urged the board to condemn antisemitism and to pursue community‑healing measures. Others cautioned against piling on and urged space for apology and rehabilitation.
Public testimony was sharply divided. An emailed comment read by the board from Laurie Morrissey said the township should “absolutely accept the resignation of Laura Smith” and called the video “a horrible antisemitic display.” Andrew Phipps, who identified himself as Jewish, told the board: “Hate has no place.” Augustus Fox, in a submitted email, argued the gesture had been misinterpreted and warned against weaponizing allegations of antisemitism.
Several residents singled out two supervisors for criticism. Multiple speakers said supervisors Joyce Snyder and Kofi Osei acted quickly to denounce Smith’s actions, while they faulted Chair Chuck Wilson and Supervisor Kristin Warner for a delayed or less forceful public response. Those criticisms featured prominently in public remarks and in emailed comments from residents and local organizations.
Board members discussed next steps after accepting the resignation. Supervisors proposed releasing a stronger board statement condemning antisemitism, considering a formal resolution, and soliciting applications for the vacancy rather than immediately appointing a vacancy board member. The board noted it has 30 days from the acceptance of the resignation to fill the seat under the Second Class Township Code.
Chair Chuck Wilson, who spoke during the meeting, said he had been out of the country when the post circulated, described receiving threatening messages after the video surfaced, and reiterated that he stands against antisemitism. He apologized for any slow public response and said the board and staff would work to fill the vacancy and restore community trust.
The meeting closed after a voice vote accepting Smith’s resignation. Board leaders said they intend to solicit applicants and seek a unanimous appointment; details and a timetable for selection were not specified at the meeting.
