2 Montco Commissioners Slots To Be Filled In 2024: What To Know

NORRISTOWN, PA — The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners will look a lot of different over the next year.

Just a week ago, longtime Chair of the Board, Val Arkoosh, was named the Secretary of the Department of Human Services in newly elected Gov. Josh Shapiro's cabinet. She left immediately, and the county is seeking to fill the vacancy.

And then two days later, Arkoosh's longtime running mate, fellow Democrat Ken Lawrence Jr., announced that he would not be seeking re-election in 2024, when his current term expires.

The situation means that the county's leadership will be in flux for the next calendar year: the county is seeking a temporary replacement for Arkoosh's term, which also expires this year. Then, there will be a pair of open seats with no elected incumbent when the fall 2023 election rolls around.

Lawrence, who will have served as a commissioner for seven years when his term ends, called the position "one of the great honors of my life." He did not say exactly what he was planning next, but expressed deep gratitude to the public for his time in office.

"I never contemplated how long I would serve when I began this journey, but after a lot of thought and discussion with my family, it’s clear to me that 'four more years' is too long," he said.

Arkoosh, Lawrence, and Republican Commissioner Joe Gale have made up the same three-person board since 2015. It was the leadership team that helmed the county through the pandemic and multiple contentious election cycles, though it wasn't without controversy, as the Democrats and Gale frequently clashed. The response to the pandemic, particularly, was attended by the most vitriol, and how this local government responded to and was shaped by COVID-19 will likely be the most memorable legacy of this era of county politics.

In leaving for Harrisburg, Arkoosh noted this work with pride.

“My experience as both a physician and public health professional continues to inform my work," she said. "It was front and center as I shepherded Montgomery County’s efforts to combat the COVID 19 pandemic through a data and science driven response, focusing on clear communication and transparency. "

Gale was deeply critical of pandemic policies put forth by Arkoosh and Lawrence, particularly of government spending and what he called the "totalitarian" role of government in fighting the virus.

"She (Arkoosh) was one of nation’s most ardent defenders of business lockdowns, school shutdowns, and mask and vaccine mandates," Gale said in an op-ed responding to Shapiro's appointment of Arkoosh. "And, regrettably, her prescribed ‘cures’ were worse than the disease itself, as many of our children and grandchildren continue to suffer emotionally, socially and academically."

While Gale has said nothing to indicate he won't once again seek re-election, the departure of both Democrats signals a significant shift in county leadership and potentially in the leadership dynamics of the board.

Lawrence added that he would assist with the transition to the new administration in 2024.