By an 8-5 vote, the Lower Merion Board of Commissioners elected Brian McGuire to serve the remainder of former commissioner Bruce Reed's term, which expires at the end of the year. And, for the first time since 2006, the board will have a new president. Liz Rogan, Ward 7 (Wynnewood) commissioner, was elected by a 8-6 vote to replace Reed as the leader of the board.

Reed announced his resignation in December, and effectively stepped down at 5 p.m. on Jan. 19. McGuire was one of two candidates for the board along with Stuart Ebby. Commissioner Cheryl Gelber was nominated as another candidate for the board's presidency.

After a much debate over whether or not the public would have a chance to comment before the votes took place, the meeting agenda was revised on Tuesday, Jan. 18 to allow for comments, and 19 residents took advantage.

The majority of the comments were made by residents who do not live in Ward 13, the area McGuire was elected to serve, and the majority also supported Ebby's candidacy. A total of 11 residents spoke in support of Ebby, seven in favor of McGuire and one who said either would be a good choice.

The latter sentiment was largely shared by the sitting commissioners, who had mostly positive things to say about both candidates.

"This was not an easy choice," Commissioner George Manos said. Manos nominated McGuire for the open seat, saying that his interactions with the candidate at the Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd civic group led him to believe he would make an excellent commissioner. "I have found his comments to be moderate, on point and very well thought out," Manos said.

Some of the other commissioners and residents expressed concern about McGuire's stated positions at public budget hearings, where he advocated passing the proposed dougle-digit tax increase in 2011 without any spending cuts. McGuire's perceived inflammatory comments were also called into question, specifically a Sept. 29 letter to the Main Line Times in which McGuire said, "our self-designated local 'budget hawks' have begin depositing their droppings on the annual township budget debate," and "all we hear from the idealogues is shrill squawking about 'excessive spending' and 'out-of-control taxing'"—mentioning the board's Republican commissioners by name. 

Commissioner Philip Rosenzweig called the comments "downright insulting," and said, "Ebby would present a better alternative at this time."

McGuire stressed throughout his candidacy for the open seat that he would focus on bipartisanship and promoting civil discourse as a commissioner. “We have to get back to a place where we’re talking to each other instead of at each other,” McGuire said in an interview with Patch earlier this month.

After the meeting, McGuire said, "I've got a lot of work to do to reach out to the residents of ward 13." McGuire stated his intention to run for reelection when his term expires during the interview for the position on Jan. 12.

Rogan's election as the board's newest president was also contentious.

Commissioner Paul McElhaney nominated Rogan for the leadership position, and Commissioner Lew Gould nominated Gelber.

Gelber said she was disturbed that the board's majority had selected Rogan as the presumptive appointee without ever telling her or the board's minority. She emphasized the need to improve discourse among the board's members.

"I believe that we need to set a new tone, one that appreciates all points of view," Gelber said. "At times I am embarrassed by the discourse from both sides of the aisle on this board. I think that it is time for that to end."

Gelber also said she has tremendous respect for Rogan's abilities to lead and would support her in any way she could if she was selected.

After the vote, Rogan said she would work hard to preserve the character and quality of the community. Rogan's expertise and experience as the former director of Lower Merion's building and planning department will help the board navigate land-use issues in the future, according to those who supported her candidacy.

Commissioners Mark Taylor, Jane Dellheim, Rick Churchill, Brian Gordon, Manos, Liz Rogan, McElhaney and Steven Lindner voted for McGuire. Commissioners Gelber, Jenny Brown, Rosenzweig, Scott Zelov and Lew Gould voted for Ebby. The same commissioners voted for Rogan as did for McGuire with the exception of Gordon, who voted for Gelber.