Lansdale Borough Council splits 5-4 in contentious reorganization votes for president, vice president

A sharply divided Lansdale Borough Council voted along narrow 5-4 margins Monday night to install new leadership during a reorganization meeting marked by pointed accusations, emotional speeches and warnings from residents about growing dysfunction on the nine-member board.

Following a lengthy debate, council voted 5-4 to appoint Vice President Meg Currie Teoh as council president, ending Council President Mary Fuller’s 2-year tenure in the role. Later in the meeting, another 5-4 vote elevated Councilwoman Rafia Razzak to vice president. 

Dissenting votes on both appointments came from BJ Breish, Mary Fuller, Andrew Carroll and Carrie Oglesby. Supporting votes were cast by Teoh, Razzak, former mayor-turned-Councilman Garry Herbert, Mike Yetter, and Rich DiGregorio. 

Breish, Fuller and Herbert represent Ward One. Teoh, Carroll and DiGregorio represent Ward Two. Ward Three is represented by Yetter, Oglesby and Razzak. 

Boroughs in Pennsylvania reorganize biennially in even-numbered years.

Fuller outlines record, seeks second turn as president

Fuller, who was nominated to continue as council president, delivered an extensive address cataloging what she described as 16 years of accomplishments on council and nearly three decades of volunteer leadership in the borough.

“For 16 years, I proudly served the residents of Lansdale with dedication, vision, and results. My leadership has focused on community development, infrastructure improvements, physical responsibility, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents,” Fuller said, recounting projects ranging from parks and recreation upgrades and trail development to police staffing restoration, infrastructure investments, community event creation, and economic development initiatives.

She highlighted her role in co-founding Discover Lansdale, overseeing capital improvement planning, expanding police staffing levels, and advancing major redevelopment projects.

“For two years, as council president and 10 as vice president, I have guided council through complex decisions, champion transparency, and foster collaboration. My record demonstrates consistent progress, innovation, and commitment to Lansdale's future. Lansdale was stronger today because of these initiatives, and the teamwork that made them possible,” she said.

Fuller said she was not seeking the presidency out of entitlement.

“I look forward to continuing to serve with integrity and vision, with all of this, I ask for your vote to appoint me for a third year as your president, and I don't ask that because I feel I'm entitled to it, but without question, I believe I earned it,” she said.

    Councilwoman Mary Fuller, center, addresses the room. At her right is Council Presdient Meg Currie Teoh, and at her left is Councilwoman Carrie Oglesby. (Credit: Jack Land)
  

Teoh calls for change, cites finances and planning

Teoh, who had been nominated to challenge Fuller, opened by acknowledging Fuller’s service but argued the borough needed a change in direction.

“I respect President Fuller and the work she has done with these many years, and I thank her for her patience with the borough,” Teoh said. “At the same time, it’s now time for fresh eyes so the borough moves forward.”

Teoh pointed to what she described as serious financial challenges, leadership transitions within the police department, and the need for clearer communication and decision-making.

“We are making a serious investment in reinvigorating our town,” she said. “We need to get a much more serious look at our finances and forward planning to capitalize on the potential in front of us. We need clear regular communication and clear-cut decision making, and we need work together as a team.” 

Breish voices surprise, reads former police chief’s letter

Councilman BJ Breish said he was caught off guard by the nomination of Teoh and criticized the lack of prior discussion. He said he personally supported Fuller as president.

    Councilman BJ Breish reads a letter from former Chief Robert McDyre at the Jan. 5, 2026 reorganization meeting (Credit: Jack Land)
  

“I applaud Meg for stepping up working towards fulfilling such a role. It was a surprise to me tonight, let's just put it that way. I didn't know that it was coming, it wasn't discussed and it seemed a little hurried,” Breish said. “I would have hoped that that would have been something that we could have discussed in smaller groups or maybe, you know, a phone call or something like that.”

Prior to his comment, Breish read a letter from former Lansdale Police Chief Robert McDyre praising Fuller’s role in rebuilding the police department, restoring staffing levels from a skeleton crew, supporting the boroughwide camera system, and advocating for officer safety and facilities.

“I want to say that in my career, I've worked with many leaders from the borough, county, state, and federal levels: Mary Fuller is, without question, one of the best I've ever known,” Breish read. “Lansdale Borough is, without a doubt, a better place for having her service to it.”

Breish concluded by saying he would support Fuller’s nomination.

Oglesby alleges behind-the-scenes maneuvering

Councilwoman Carrie Oglesby delivered the most contentious remarks of the evening, sharply criticizing Teoh’s leadership experience and alleging political maneuvering behind the scenes.

She said Fuller has led Lansdale with integrity and a vast knowledge about local government with skills unmatched  by anyone else on council.

“Honestly, I'm confused why even Meg is even interested in the position of president. She barely speaks to her opinion, either publicly or in an executive session, and I heard that in some public safety meetings, she struggles with controlling the meeting,” Oglesby said. “People are born to be leaders. You can't teach this, and  no matter how hard you think you can be a leader, you cannot.”

Oglesby accused Herbert of orchestrating the leadership change and alleged that Teoh’s recent criticism of borough leadership stemmed from outside influence.

“In my opinion, Meg is not a leader,” Oglesby said. “Recently, she's been critical of the leadership of the borough, which seems odd to me.”

Oglesby continued by accusing Herbert of persuading new Mayor Rachael Bollens to give up her seat on council, and vice versa, prompting Democratic candidate Bill Henning to challenge the role in the Primary.

“Again, this is my opinion, but Garry felt like he could put Rachael in the mayor's seat. He could keep tabs on her and be able to use her for his benefit. And now, isn't it obvious to everyone else? Garry wants Meg for the presidency, so he can persuade Meg at his whim,” Ogelsby said. “Meg is Gary's mouthpiece.”

She further alleged that votes had been gathered privately and said the situation was “disgusting and distasteful,” adding, “This is why people hate politicians.”

“I make decisions on what I think is best for our town, not for my own political game,” she said. “If my colleagues on council really care about Lansdale and its residents, the only vote for president is the real leader, and that's Mary Fuller.

    Mayor Garry Herbert sworn in by Mayor Rachael Bollens, left, on Monday night. Herbert's family stands alongside. (Credit: Jack Land)
  

Herbert rebuts claims, cites financial concerns

Herbert forcefully rejected Oglesby’s accusations, calling her remarks inappropriate and unproductive.

"I'm sorry that you think what you just did was a good idea. I can't even believe that the group that stands before you today with the words that just came out of your mouth were a good idea for the public to entertain, to hear,” he said. “It was rhetorical in its delivery. It was not useful in any way. It doesn't move this body to be better. It's not true.”

Herbert said his support for Teoh was rooted in concern over borough finances, citing audit delays, credit issues, and what he described as years of poor financial management.

“We are coming off of a period of time where our finances are disastrous. I wish you all could sit in our finance meetings and hear about how we squandered several millions of dollars because we don't have a credit rating anymore, about how we have stood around and had to deal with multiple financial managers being poorly leading this borough through multiple problems,” Herbert said. “In fact, up until a month ago, we didn't even have a completed audit for 2023. So, there are major problems in our community. There are major problems in our leadership. There are major problems in our finances, all of which need to be addressed, all of which are necessary, and it is time for us to take a different step forward.”

Herbert stressed that his vote was not a personal rebuke of Fuller, who he has valued and appreciated as they worked alongside many borough projects.

“I believe that you have done a fantastic job, and it is time to move forward, and it is time to try something different, because what is happening today isn't working, and this time to make a change,” Herbert said. “That is why I will be supporting Meg. She is an incredibly independent and strong person. She doesn't need anyone pulling any strings, nor does Madame Mayor Rachael Bollens, who is incredibly competent and is going to be amazing as mayor.”

Yetter defends independence of votes

Councilman Mike Yetter pushed back on claims that council members were being influenced.

“I think it’s an equal compliment to Garry to suggest that he could influence us quite so much,” Yetter said, “as it is to suggest that Meg and the rest of us don’t have free thought and an opinion in deciding the choice that we’re making.”

Yetter said the vote reflected differing views on direction rather than personal animosity.

“I'm suggesting my vote will go to who is in the best interest of the borough and the best interest that I see – it is not personal with Councilwoman Fuller, and her fantastic record of service, but a choice of which direction I think is best for us,” Yetter said.

    Councilman Mike Yetter sworn in Monday night by Magisterial District Judge Ed Levine. At right is Yetter's wife, Daria Dzwil. (Credit: Jack Land)
  

Vice president vote follows similar fault lines

The same divisions emerged during the vice president selection between Carroll and Razzak.

Oglesby nominated Carroll, praising his leadership on the Economic Development Committee and calling him “open, honest, and thoughtful.”

Breish said Carroll impressed him on council and as chair of the Economic Development Committee.

“There was just a renewed energy over the past two years in (the committee) and I really appreciate that about your leadership there. It'd be a great presence (on council),” he said.

Fuller said she has taken great pleasure in seeing how the committee has evolved under Carroll’s leadership and supported his nomination for vice president.

“And I have been impressed with your work on the Electric Committee. You've really taken a leadership role there, and I've appreciated seeing how you've developed since your original appointment to council, so you have my support for sure,” she said.

Teoh nominated Razzak, citing her work on the Code Committee.

“She has the ability to cut through the noise,” Teoh said. “She can see what matters about an issue and see how to get the work done.”

Yetter said he has served on committees with both nominees and praised Carroll’s leadership and progress on the Economic Development Committee.

“I think Councilwoman Razzak brings a good voice. I think she can bring a stronger voice as vice president,” he said.

Herbert called Razzak “astonishingly capable.”

“She is a whiz when it comes to understanding the nuances of how people will react or feel about changes in our community or how it will impact them. She goes the extra mile of asking questions that perhaps others hadn't thought of,” he said. “I think she will be a deliberative vice president, someone who asks the necessary questions to push the envelope forward.”

DiGregorio told Fuller he felt it was time for a change in leadership.

“I feel that Meg will do a great job, I feel Rafia would do a good job, too – different direction.  Let’s see how things go through the future,” he said.

Razzak was ultimately elected vice president by the same 5–4 margin.

    From left: Rich DiGregorio, Andrew Carroll, Garry Herbert, Meg Currie Teoh, Mary Fuller, Carrie Oglesby, Rafia Razzak, BJ Breish, Mike Yetter and Manager John Ernst. (Credit: Jack Land)
  

Public commenters urge unity, accountability

Public comment reflected concern over the tone of the meeting.

Rachel Gill of North Towamencin Avenue said the proceedings left her unsettled.

“This was really sloppy,” she said. “My anxiety is spiked so much, and I'm feeling lots of discomfort, and I'm disappointed. So I'm hoping that if you move to this new year looking to kind of work out at all these kinks between everyone.”

Resident and former councilman Jack Hansen, of Knapp Road, congratulated the new leadership but urged collaboration.

“I can see issues here. I hope every one of you will dig deep into your hearts and do what's best for the borough going forward, because it's going to take the council working together to get things moving well. Things did go good in the past. Some things did go bad. But now you have the opportunity to show that you are dignified, elected officials,”  Hansen said.

Former Councilman Denton Burnell congratulated Bollens and praised Fuller’s service, while cautioning council members against believing leadership titles alone enable change.

“Mary had deserved to lead this group long before I did. And it was only fitting at that time to see her unanimously chosen by this group. So, since you all know me pretty well, it should come as no surprise to hear me say that I am sad to see that change so soon,” Burnell said. “You should all know that I respect each and every one of you for making the sacrifices you do to do this job. God knows I know how hard it is. And I'm not here to second guess or complain about this decision.”

Burnell urged council to look forward and to get behind its two leaders.

“Whatever the shape of the change to come, we must acknowledge, and I want to remind you all that none of your individual voices come second to any of your peers, whether you call them president or vice president, or councilwoman or a councilman. That is as true now as it was when I sat up there with you,” he said.

“Change only requires leadership, and that is not a trait singularly possessed by those you have just appointed. It simply requires convincing four of your peers that your idea has merit, and that doing the work to make it happen,” Burnell said. “Any change you might desire or have desired, and that can be some months or years, has always been there for the making. The makeup of this body really hasn't changed. Don't let anyone convince you that this reorganization was needed to make any sense change happen.”  

Henning thanked Fuller for her service, prompting Fuller to joke, “Bill is perhaps the only person in town that makes me feel like a slacker.”

“For a long time, I’ve admired you. I admire what you have done, I admire what you do now, and I’ll look forward to admiring what you're going do in the future here,” he said. “Because I know you're going to continue on and work as hard as you have. So, thank you. Thank you, Mary, for being you. Change happens.”

Resident Bruce Schwartz, also a member of Discover Lansdale, said the borough faced a need for reconciliation, while praising Fuller’s commitment to the borough in the same breath.

“I applaud her on her service. I expect that she will continue to put the town first,” he said. "I've seen it at its best and I've also seen it at its worst. I think at this point, there's a lot of bridge building that needs to be done. As a voter, I expect to see that happen. If I don't, you will certainly know.”

Former Republican council candidate and Koffee Korner owner Yanni Lambros congratulated Bollens on her “good heart” within her.

“You’re a good person and you're going to be doing the best job you can,” Lambros said.  

Lambros urged council members to stop infighting.

“There's a vibe amongst the people as a whole, and it's not good that you guys are divided. Trust me, I’m a Republican, it doesn’t benefit me to say that to you. But if it benefits the town, then that's what I care about,” Lambros said.

He urged council to stop the “spin games” and continue doing the right thing for the people.

“I hope that decisions can be made, not through political pressure, from little side shadow teams, but for the benefit of the community. What’s truly going to make sense? It doesn’t always have to sound good, but it has to make sense,” he said. “Fix the budget, fix the problems, because before elections, all that was crickets. Now all of a sudden, everybody’s got something to say. Do the right thing, say it at the right time.”

The meeting concluded with Teoh seated as council president and Razzak as vice president, but with clear divisions remaining on the dais as the borough enters a new two-year organizational cycle