Penn Township supervisors, residents wish exiting supervisor well
PENN TWP — The township is entering a new era next month, without board of supervisors chairman Samuel Ward, who was a member of the board for nearly four decades.
Tuesday night, Dec. 9 marked the last meeting for Ward, who narrowly lost in the May primary election to challenger Matthew Salina. Numerous township residents — including Salina himself — were on hand at Tuesday’s meeting to send Ward off.
“Sam and I have been doing this gig for a long time, and Bert (Mowry) has been in it quite a while too,” said fellow Supervisor Doug Roth. “And Sam’s always stayed faithful to the supervisor’s duties. That’s to ensure sound fiscal management and secure the health and safety and welfare of the residents.”
After winning a primary election in 1989, Ward took a place on the board of supervisors a few months early, replacing a supervisor who had resigned due to health reasons. In that year’s general election, he won his seat officially, and would hold on to it for the next 36 years.
Roth outlined Ward’s long list of accomplishments over his tenure. These included his involvement with the construction of the municipal building on Airport Road, the construction of a long-awaited traffic signal at the intersection of Route 8 and Airport Road, and the resolution of a flooding issue along Dodds Road, which won the township an award.
“We’re not politicians. We’re neighbors. We’re friends. And we’re always open for a question, comment, or an idea,” Roth said. “Sam always took time to address a concern or complaint.”
After he spoke, Roth handed Ward a certificate of appreciation from David Sanko, executive director of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, thanking Ward for his years of service. He also pledged that the township would name a red oak tree near the planned Harcrest Park pavilion after Ward.
“I don’t know what to say, but it's been great to work with this community,” Ward said. “Matthew, I wish you all the best. I know you’ll do well.”
Supervisors also approved the township’s budget for 2026. Township manager Linda Zerfoss said both revenues and expenditures are balanced at $6,851,771.
No increases are planned to the general municipal tax rate, which will remain at 5.94 mills, or the fire tax, which will stay at 2.06 mills.
