New Commissioner Appointed In Abington Twp.

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA —She's the new Ward 10 representative on the Abington Township Board of Commissioners

Christine M. Young-Gertz was appointed by the 15-member board at Thursday night's commissioners' meeting and immediately assumed a chair with her colleagues to close out the meeting after she was sworn in by District Justice Juanita Price.

Before the meeting began. Commissioners Chairman Thomas Hecker told the audience watching in person and on Zoom that the board had met with Solicitor Michael Clarke to consult on the vacancy for "informational purposes only."

Young-Gertz replaces Commissioner Jessica Carswell, who resigned on Feb. 16.

"I'm so honored. It's such a privilege," she told Patch Friday afternoon. "I know it's important work. I'm excited about it. I want to get involved and am looking forward to getting started."

Young-Gertz has lived in Abington since 1987 and Ward 10 —which circulates around the Target on Route 611 —since 1999.

In her letter to the township expressing her interest, Young-Gertz said she felt her background would make her best suited to represent Ward 10.

"Our Ward 10 residents are concerned with a host of issues, including public safety, the impact of land-use decisions, and the township budget, to name a few," said Young-Gertz, who lives on Edmund Road.

Young-Gertz has served as a government relations attorney, state lobbyist, and legislative staffer, her resume states.

She currently works as a part-time constituent service advisor to State Rep. Ben Sanchez.

Young-Gertz also has experience as the government affairs director for the Pennsylvania Apartment Association and as a legislative aide for State Rep. Ellen Bard.

She was selected over Bill O'Brien, Julie Getz, Matthew Flint, and Michael Delany.

Young-Gertz was nominated by Ward 11 Commissioner John Spiegelman.

Adele Kubel, a Ward 10 resident, said she was disappointed that she wasn't able to meet and talk to the other candidates. She criticized the board for not discussing the appointment publicly before voting for Young-Gertz.

Another resident, speaking on Zoon during public comments, also said commissioners did not follow "proper procedure" and should not have made the decision "behind closed doors."