New Councilman Takes Oath In Horsham Township

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —A planning commission member is now a new Horsham Township councilman.

Jay Chaudhry was named to replace long-time Councilman Gregory Nesbitt who resigned on Dec. 14 with his resignation becoming effective on Dec. 31. Nesbitt, who served on the council for 19 years, said he needed to devote more time to his law practice.

Council President Mark McCouch said the township had received applications from six residents to fill the vacancy and thanked everyone for applying during Tuesday night's reorganization meeting.

"With his five years on the planning commission, Jay brings a lot of experience to the council," McCouch said.

Chaudhry, with his family in attendance and his son holding the Bible, took the oath after being sworn in by Horsham District Court Judge Harry J. Nesbitt III.

His term expires on Dec. 31, 2023.

Chaudhry has lived in Horsham Township since 2000 and is married with two sons, who both graduated from the Hatboro-Horsham School District.

He has served on the planning commission since 2017. But while he is allowed under municipal code to continue on the planning board, Chaudhry was expected to resign from the post at Wednesday night's meeting.

The dentist, who has an office in Glenside, is also an associate professor at Temple University School of Dentistry, St. Luke’s Hospital and UPenn Dental School.

"It's exciting," Chaudhry said of his appointment. "It's always a learning process. Hopefully, I bring a fresh pair of eyes."

During the reorganization meeting, the council voted to retain its leadership with McCouch remaining as council president and W. William Whiteside III continuing as vice president.

Chaudhry will serve as secretary while Councilwoman Theresa Harmon was appointed treasurer and Councilman Sean Wade as Parliamentarian.