Commissioners held a brief special meeting on Aug. 17 in which Robert Layden took the oath of office to become the new 6th Ward commissioner. The appointment, approved by the board Aug. 8, followed the unexpected resignation of Commissioner Jim Devenney who had represented the ward for 20 years.
Layden has been a township resident for 10 years. He and his wife, Diane, have three children, Bobby, Brian and Brandy who all are enrolled in the Springfield School District.
Layden is familiar to many members of the athletic community having been a coach with the Springfield Youth Club for 11 years and is current president of the organization.
He is also active with the Springfield High School lacrosse team boosters. He is a member of the township’s Golf Advisory Board.
Raised in Darby, Layden, 43, attended Bonner High School as well as Folcroft Vocational Technical School for training in the trades as a carpenter. For the last 20 years he has operated his own business in the insurance field as a public adjuster, working for home and property owners to settle claims.
In his professional capacity, prior to his appointment, Layden had been working with the township on the claim concerning the ice rink. Exploring any potential conflicts of interest, Township Solicitor Jim Byrne said he is researching all appropriate sources on ethics standards to determine if there is any such problem moving forward. If issues arise, Layden affirmed on the evening of the meeting that he would step aside from the case.
Commissioner Jeff Rudolph made a few introductory comments, describing Layden as “a man who gets the job done, is sincere and cares about his community.”
Magisterial Justice Anthony Scanlon administered the oath of office.
Layden said he feels the 6th ward is “running like a clock,” and said he will respond to constituents and concerns when and if they arise.
