Commissioner Jim McGinn Lauded for 36 Years of Service to Aston Township

Aston Commissioners President Jim Stigale, during the June 17 meeting of the board of commissioners, presented longtime 5th Ward Commissioner Jim McGinn with a service award in recognition of his 36 years of dedicated service to the township.

McGinn was also acknowledged on May 15 by the Delaware County Association of Township Commissioners during its annual banquet.

“For Jim McGinn, 2015 marks 36 years of service to the Aston community, and in particular to the residents of the fifth ward,” said 2nd Ward Commissioner Carol Graham. “When Jim first ran for office in 1979, I bet he never expected to be a nine term commissioner. Then again, you don’t survive nine terms without working hard on behalf of your residents.”

Graham said, as commissioner, McGinn has well represented the people of the fifth ward and has always been accessible to their needs. She added that he has been a loyal promoter of township sports programs and during times of distress, has mustered community support for their survival.

“Jim has also been very active in support of our senior citizens organization, acting as township liaison,” Graham said. “For many years he has provided poinsettia flowers to the seniors at their annual Christmas luncheon and has sponsored pictures with Santa for fifth ward children and their pets.”

McGinn has served on various committees including as president of the board of commissioners for many years. He is widely credited with being the driving force behind the construction of the Aston Community Center, which was dedicated in 1997; and the Veterans Memorial Garden, dedicated in 2009.

In addition to his township duties, McGinn has served on and chaired many outside committees.  He is the past president and a past executive committee member of the Delaware County Eastern Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania State Associations of Township Commissioners.

McGinn currently serves as chairman of the UCOM unemployment compensation trust as well as chairman of the Aston Township police and non-uniform pension plan committee.

In 2001 he had the distinction of being named Pennsylvania Township Commissioner of the Year by then Governor Tom Ridge.

“Jim, you are an Aston Township icon with a one track mind,” Graham said. “You have had a longstanding love affair with Aston Township and its residents.”

McGinn expressed appreciation for the recognition, stating that he has indeed loved the township his entire life.

“I am very grateful for all of the kind words,” McGinn said. “I have been in this town for a long time. I remember when Knowlton Road was a white cinder road with no street lights at five points. They were all stop signs. I met a lot of politicians in Delaware County, but it was Nick Catania who once told me to always remember one thing: “In your hometown, it’s the devil they don’t know  they don’t like; the devil they know they vote for.

I do care about Aston Township. I have been here my whole life and I will die here. I do love this town.”