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Local Elections: What do the Positions Really Mean?

Unfamiliar with the responsibilities and compensations of our local elected offices? Find out the basics here.

 

Board of Commissioners
 
According to the Upper Dublin Township handbook.

  • Responsibilities: The seven member commission acts as the legislative branch of the township, with responsibility for all policy decisions as well as annual budget approval. The Commissioners appoint major officials such as the Township Manager, Solicitor, Engineer, Police Chief, Fire Marshal and Township Secretary.
  • Term: The Commissioners are elected, one from each ward, and serve on a part-time basis for four-year terms. Municipal elections for Commissioners are held bi-annually with an alternating four seats and three seats subject to election or re-election.
  • Compensation: The State Code sets the maximum salary that Commissioners could be paid based upon Township population. (Under 4,999, $1,875; 25,000-34,999, $4,375; 35,000 and over $5,000)

School board member:

  • Qualifications: According to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (See PDF), a potential school board member must be “a citizen of Pennsylvania, of good moral character, at least 18 years old and a resident of the school district in which the person wishes to serve for at least one year prior to appointment."
  • Term: Four years
  • Responsibilities include setting policies for the school district and grappling with the district’s budget.
  • Financial compensation: none.

Magesterial District Judge:

  • According to the Montgomery County website, district court maintains “jurisdiction over criminal preliminary arraignments and preliminary hearings; summary criminal offenses; traffic offenses; municipal code violations; landlord/tenant suits; and civil claims where damages do not exceed $12,000.”
  • Term: Six years

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