East Hempfield supervisors appoint Republican who was runner-up in municipal election to open post

East Hempfield Township has appointed Alex Tran to fill a vacant seat on its Board of Supervisors. The decision came during a meeting where officials also approved a new budget and adjusted meeting times for next year. Tran, a Republican, will serve until December 2027 after a 3-1 vote in his favour.

The board chose Tran to replace H. Scott Russell, despite opposition from Supervisor Robert Johnson. Johnson argued that Dwight Rohrer and Richard Hendricks, with their planning and zoning experience, would have been better suited for the role. However, Chair W. Scott Wiglesworth and Vice Chair Thomas Bennett supported Tran, citing his strong preparation and immediate ability to contribute. Bennett also noted that Tran had placed third in the recent election, reinforcing his legitimacy for the position.

Tran expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged to serve with dedication. His term will last until the end of 2027, filling the remainder of Russell’s unexpired term. In the same meeting, the township adopted a $27 million budget for 2025. This includes the first real estate tax increase since 2008, which will generate an extra $1.65 million in revenue. Officials also decided to revert the township office to standard hours—8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday—after finding little demand for extended Wednesday hours. Looking ahead to 2026, the board will shift its meetings to 6 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. Traffic commission meetings will now start at 5:30 p.m., adjusting the schedule for better attendance.

Tran’s appointment brings a new voice to the board, while the budget changes mark the township’s first tax rise in over 15 years. The adjusted meeting times and office hours reflect efforts to improve efficiency and accessibility for residents. These decisions will take effect in the coming months.

East Hempfield supervisors appoint Republican who was runner-up in municipal election to open post