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Board appoints Jennifer Pertel to fill Ward 13 vacancy
Summary
The Abington Township Board of Commissioners voted April 16 to appoint Jennifer Pertel to fill the Ward 13 vacancy; the board advised the new appointee to be sworn by the district magistrate before participating in official actions. Public commenters questioned whether applicants were interviewed publicly.
The Abington Township Board of Commissioners on April 16 appointed Jennifer Pertel to fill the vacancy representing Ward 13.
Commissioner Younger nominated Pertel during the meeting and another commissioner seconded the nomination; the motion carried on a voice vote and the president welcomed Pertel to the dais. Township counsel advised the board that the appointee should be sworn by the district magistrate before participating in board action, though she was invited to sit at the table. Chair and vice president remarks said Pertel could be sworn and eligible to vote at the next public meeting on April 30.
The appointment drew public comment about the selection process. Joe Rooney told the board he was disappointed that applicants for the seat had not been interviewed publicly and urged the board to give applicants the chance to speak before being chosen. Laura Lehman, speaking by Zoom, echoed those concerns and asked for a public explanation of any procedural changes that removed committee review or public participation.
The board did not announce any alternative candidate and did not schedule additional interviews. The solicitor’s recommendation specifying district magistrate administration of the oath was read into the record; the board affirmed the appointment and will follow the recommended swearing procedure.
