Photo by James Short.
Ambler Borough Councilwoman Haley Welch, who serves both as the Ward 3 council person and the council’s vice president, will soon be moving out of the borough, forcing her to vacate her seat. The transition was announced during council’s June 4 committee meeting via a resolution recognizing Welch for her hard work.
Welch had previously served on various committees in addition to general council, such as the finance and planning committees, a chairperson of the Public Utilities Committee, and also on Parks and Rec.
Since her swearing in on Jan. 6, 2020, Welch has served to give back to her local community.
“It is recognized that serving as an elected official at the local level is giving back to one’s community in the truest form, as it involves very little pay, very little thanks or appreciation, and more time and energy than most citizens realize,” stated the borough’s resolution 2024-08, thanking her for her service. “Be it resolved by the members of council, for themselves and on behalf of the citizens of Ambler, that the terms of office of Councilwoman Haley Welch are fully recognized and sincere thanks and appreciation are extended to her for her services to the community.”
Borough Manager Mary Aversa echoed the thanks.
“We wish her well, and thank her for her service,” said Aversa. “She was a pleasure to work with and was appreciated for her dedication to Ambler Borough.”
The vacancy leaves an open seat for a Ward 3 representative on the borough’s council. Welch’s position will conclude at the end of June 2024.
“Resumes and letters of interest are being accepted for the vacant Ward 3 Council Seat until July 9,” said Aversa. “A vote will be taken at the council meeting on July 16, based on recommendations from Council Members.”
Welch’s term has a year-and-a-half remaining. Following the end of this term, an election will determine a new Ward 3 council member.
Welch said she has truly enjoyed her role in the borough.
“I just wanted to say thank you to everyone on council,” said Welch. “It has been a pleasure serving with all of you.”
Welch noted that she had never thought of serving her community in this way but was glad she did.
“I never intended to run for office,” she said. “But Jeanne [Sorg] asked me to, many years ago, so I thank you for the encouragement and support all of these years.”
Welch also thanked all of the administrative employees who helped to make her role possible.
“To everyone on the borough staff, you’ve been amazing to work with, as well,” said Welch. “I think me leaving the borough is just a testament to what an amazing job everyone here has done over the years, because trust me you can ask Allison Wolf [local realtor], I tried to stay in the borough.”
Welch said she had not intended to leave the borough, but after years of searching, she could simply not find a space that worked for her and for her family.
“We just couldn’t find a house that fit our needs in four years of house tours,” she said. “I am very sad to be leaving. It has been amazing to serve my community here, and luckily, I am not going far. I will be nine minutes away.”
While she did not have success in her in-borough house hunting, she said she would still be nearby.
“You guys can’t get rid of me,” she joked. “I will be at yoga in the park, and in Ambler all the time. I look forward to seeing all of you pretty much all the time still, just not up here.”
Welch concluded her words in the June committee meeting thanking all that made her position possible.
“Thank you, everyone, it has been a pleasure to serve all of you,” she concluded.
