Councilman Resigns After 5 Months In Hatboro

HATBORO, PA —After recently replacing one council member, another is departing.

Hatboro Borough Councilman Todd A'Harrah abruptly resigned at Monday night's meeting in support of his wife Kelly for a Sunshine Law violation she allegedly made while serving as chairwoman of the borough's Environmental Advisory Committee.

"I've been tremendously humbled in serving and will continue to serve," A'Harrah told a packed house at Borough Hall at the Borough Council meeting. "I wish everyone the very best. I wanted to resign so I could speak more publicly."

A' Harrah, a Republican, was appointed five months ago to join the all-Democratic council when Vice President Dave Stockton resigned because he was moving out of the borough. A'Harrah had previously lost in the November general election to unseat Councilwoman Amanda Jacobus.

A'Harrah said he committed a Sunshine Law violation by sending an email following his first council meeting but was not disciplined.

"I think you're making an error. I speak for everyone up here," Council President George Bollendorf said. "I never asked for your resignation. I can't tell you what to do."

Councilwoman Amanda Jacobus echoed Bollendorf's sentiment.

One resident asked the council not to accept A'Harrah's resignation, but Bollendorf said that wasn't possible.

"He wants to quit," Bollendorf said before the council unanimously approved his letter of resignation.

A'Harrah moved to Hatboro in 1989 where he raised four children with his wife Kelly.

He has served as a church elder, an occasional photographer for the Enterprise Fire Company, and most recently as president of the Union Library Company of Hatboro.

In his resignation letter to Bollendorf that was obtained by Patch, A'Harrah said he would have preferred to have given greater notice and meant no disrespect for his sudden decision.

"As you know, just last Thursday evening I was informed of a choice apparently made by the council that had a direct and immediate bearing on this decision," he said in the letter. "It has been an honor to serve alongside those who are committed to the betterment of our community, serving with integrity and courage. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute in a very small way to this vital work, and I especially appreciate that you crossed party lines to afford me the opportunity to serve. This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right step for the council and me at this time. I remain fully supportive of the betterment of Hatboro and wish all of you success in achieving our shared goals for the borough. Thank you again for your support, collaboration, and understanding during my time on the council. I look forward to staying engaged with the community in other ways and will always be an advocate for our borough's success."

A'Harrah is now the third council member to depart the board in the past three weeks.

Councilwoman Nicole McMenamin resigned in late May because she was moving to Warminster.

McMenamin led the council's finances/grants and administrative committees.

She was replaced by Jennifer Hendrickson in late June.

The Borough Council also includes Councilman Alex Myers, Councilwoman Nicole Shay, and Council Vice President Nicole Reichner.

Hendrickson has volunteered for countless community organizations over the years, including the Boy Scouts of America, Hallowell Elementary Home and School Association, and the Hatboro Horsham Warriors Wrestling Club, borough officials said.

Stay tuned for more coverage by Patch on this developing story.