Lower Merion Township Building (Credit: Google StreetView)
The Lower Merion Township Board of Commissioners on Jan. 5 welcomed five newly elected members, re-elected its board president and elected a new vice president.
V. Scott Zelov, speaking in support of nominating Todd Sinai to continue as the board’s president, noted that the township in 2026 is adding five new commissioners for the first time in 20 years.
“I know what it’s like, because 20 years ago I was one of the new five commissioners,” he said.
The five new commissioners are: Michael Daly, representing Ward 2; Charles Gregory, representing Ward 4; Chris McGuire, representing Ward 6; Craig Timberlake, representing Ward 8; and Shelby Sparrow, representing Ward 14.
Zelov said Sinai is the best person to lead the township’s board given his track record of accomplishments, including creating an annual process for outlining board priorities, restricting gas-powered leaf blowers and plastic bag use in the township, hiring a new police superintendent, and navigating two difficult budget processes.
“We’re solving problems, we’re moving forward, and we’re even having a little fun,” Zelov said. Challenges that await Sinai’s leadership include negotiating two collective bargaining agreements, tackling zoning issues related to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, and dealing with “a tight budget year,” Zelov added.
Sinai, who has led the Lower Merion Township board for the last four years, was re-elected unanimously. The newly elected president then nominated Jeremiah Woodring to replace outgoing Vice President Shawn Kraemer.
Sinai described Woodring, who has been on the board since January 2024, as thoughtful and inquisitive.
“I think Jeremiah asks the most questions of any commissioner, including myself, and that is a good thing.” Sinai said. “He does not presume to already know the answer — he investigates, collects information and uses that information to come to a conclusion.”
Ward 13 Commissioner Gilda Kramer added that Woodring’s background as an architect helps him offer valuable insights to the township’s board. Additionally, “he brings to our board the important perspective that comes from having a young family that will be part of our community for decades to come,” she said.
Like Sinai, Woodring was also elected unanimously to his post.
