What's Happening in Glenside, PA…

Last Monday, January 23, judges for Montgomery County (which includes Glenside, Pennsylvania) met with candidates for the position of county commissioner and quickly selected Kenneth Lawrence Jr. for the position, making him the first African-American commissioner in the county’s history.

Lawrence was endorsed by the commission’s chairwoman, Valery A. Arkoosh, and county Democrats. The commission has three members, the third of whom is Joe Gale, a Republican. Gale says he looks forward to working with his colleagues for the good of the county’s residents.

Among their duties, the commissioners appoint all of the county’s employees, and establish their salaries as well. They are also tasked with naming department heads, as well as many members of various committees, authorities, and boards. It is also the responsibility of the commissioners to manage county property and administer its finances, including the annual budget. Their jurisdiction includes bridges and roads maintained by the county.

Arkoosh revealed that there were 17 people considered for the position before Lawrence was chosen. He is coming to the county from Temple University, where he is Vice President of Alumni Relations. He is a Temple alumnus himself, having graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in political science in 1995. He also holds a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Public Administration.

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