Township Seeks Out Ward 7 Commissioner

In the aftermath of former Ward 7 commissioner James McKenna’s resignation from the position, the Upper Moreland Board of Commissioners has announced an open application to residents interested in finishing off the term.

McKenna made his surprise resignation announcement at the May 7 Regular Meeting, and served his final day as a commissioner on May 31.

According to board president, Ward 6 commissioner Sam Valenza, the board of commissioners by state law has 30 days from the date of resignation to vote and appoint a replacement.

During the June 4 Regular Board Meeting, Valenza announced an open application for those interested in the Ward 7 position.

Qualified candidates should be:

• A registerd voter

• At least a year resident of Ward 7

The appointed candidate will fulfill the remainder of duties for McKenna’s unexpired term until Dec. 31, 2013, when the Ward 7 commissioner-elect will assume office.

Valenza said that interested candidates should send in their resume and cover letter to township manager David Dodies no later than June 14. The board will then hold a special meeting on June 25 at 7 p.m., concerning the Ward 7 appointment.

Valenza also noted particular highlights from McKenna’s tenure as a commissioner, including the start of his tenure, which took place in January 2006; his serving as chairperson for the Finance and Administration Committee from 2006 – 2007; as well as being the board’s designated representative on the Police Pension Board.

“I just want to thank commissioner McKenna for his service to the community as Ward 7 commissioner,” Valenza said.

As , Mckenna, during his announcement, cited personal and health reasons for leaving office.

In a correspondence with Patch, McKenna further explained that his health reasons stemmed from a severe motor vehicle accident he sustained while driving for his work near the boarder of Springfield, Mass. and Enfield, Conn. last year.

According to McKenna, the other driver fell asleep at approximately 4 p.m., at which the driver crossed into McKenna’s lane for a head-on collision.

“When the car accident first happened, I thought that I would be 100 percent in two-to-three months,” McKenna said. “One year later, I realized that I will probably be receiving treatment for another six-to-12 months.”

McKenna said, in addition to the ongoing medical treatment, his position as an industrial sales manager for a Portland, Ore.-based manufacturer has required much of his time.

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For more information about the Ward 7 board appointment candidacy, contact Upper Moreland township manager David Dodies by e-mail at ddodies@uppermoreland.org or call the township at 215-659-3100, ext. 1056 or U.S. Post at 117 Park Avenue, Willow Grove, PA 19090.