Stephens Honored For 12 Years As State Representative By Horsham Twp.

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —Todd Stephens felt at home before the Horsham Township Council earlier this month.

After all, Stephens lives in Horsham Township. And he also worked closely with township officials during the course of his 12 years as a state representative for the 151st Legislative District.

"We all know Todd," Township Manager Bill Walker said. "We did benefit from Todd being a resident and the work he did for us so we're a little biased."

During the council's final meeting of the year, Walker rattled off a list of Stephens' accomplishments before family and friends, and residents and issued a proclamation recognizing his service to the township and Montgomery County.

A Facebook post by the township government noted that Stephens "remains a cherished friend and neighbor."

The Republican lost his re-elected bid to Democrat Melissa Cerrato in the Nov. 8 election. Earlier this month, he closed his office, gave his farewell remarks in the House, and sent an email to constituents thanking them for their support over the years.

Stephens was instrumental during the PFAS contamination development and within the Military Installation Remediation and Infrastructure Authority (MIRIA), an authority formed under Act 101 of 2019, township officials said.

The former Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove is one of three former and active military bases that in 2016 showed extremely high levels of PFAS, also known as 'forever chemicals.'

Those chemicals led to a shutdown of public and private drinking water wells in Horsham Township and nearby Warminster and Warrington townships.

"What he did with the willow Grove base for our residents was remarkable," Walker said.

"I remember giving out bottles of water to people," Stephens said.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals that have been found in drinking water and were used for decades in firefighting foam and other industrial materials.

Communities near military bases have traditionally seen higher levels of PFAS, which are said to stick around for thousands of years, and many local officials in these areas have taken measures to address the issue.

Walker said when PFAS first came about in July 2016, township officials didn't know what to make of the situation.

"We all didn't know what was going to happen," he said. "We didn't know the 'What If' scenarios and how we were going to afford this long term. Our state rep was right there through it all with the DEP and the Navy."

Walker said Stephens helped get $10 million in funding with Act 101.

"He knew residents needed long-term help," Walker said. "Thank you isn't enough."

More recently, township officials said, Stephens assisted with funding for the Miracle Field of Horsham and the Horsham Soccer Association's Turf field. He also would even take calls about fixing potholes, township officials said.

"He did everything we asked. We will miss him greatly as a state rep," Walker said. "You've been amazing."

Council President Mark McCouch had a few words himself for Stephens before reading his proclamation.

"We can't thank you enough," he said. "Just your friendship has meant a lot to us."

Other council members took a few moments to pay tribute to Stephens.

"There are so many selfless moments in your service to Horsham," said Councilman Gregory Nesbitt, who later resigned at the end of the meeting. "You should feel immense pride."

Councilwoman Theresa Harmon said, "I wouldn't be sitting here if it wasn't for you."

Councilman Sean Wade added that he appreciated that Stephens always made an effort to attend township events.

Stephens said his work was made easier by the township's government.

"There's so much dedication and commitment to the community in this room," he said of the council body. "The staff here is terrific. It's all because of the love for this community. That's what makes it such a great place to live."

Stephens thanked his wife Nicole and two boys and township residents after receiving the proclamation, to which he also received a round of applause.

"I'll be a resident. Hopefully, I won't make too much noise," Stephens told the council.