Washington Township welcomes new supervisor

Washington Township has a new supervisor.

Matthew Thornton, 55, was unanimously appointed by the board of supervisors on Monday, Aug.8. There was no comment from the public regarding Thornton’s appointment during the meeting.

He replaces former supervisor Scott Held, who resigned last month. Held served for six months before resigning on July 14. Held cited moving out of the township as the reason for his resignation.

Supervisors are paid $2,500 annually.

Thornton will serve through Dec. 31, 2023.

Thornton joins Supervisors Rich Gardner and Joe Olszewski on the board.

Gardner introduced Thornton at the start of Thursday’s meeting.

“We had about a dozen people that were interested, and we interviewed people for about a month. Welcome Matt, and thank you,” Gardner said.

Thornton grew up in Washington Township and recently retired from a career in banking financial services.

Thornton graduated from Kiski Area High School in 1984 and earned a liberal arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1990.

“I have extra time and lots of interest in the township,” Thornton said of his reason for applying for the supervisor job.

Thornton said he has two immediate goals as supervisor.

“Making the township a place that draws people that want to raise their families here and improving the efficiency and operations of the township,” he said.

In addition, Thornton serves on the Municipal Authority of Washington Township.

He praised residents as a crucial element in the township.

“The biggest thing is the people here. The people are direct, real and genuine,” Thornton said.

Thornton is married to the Rev. Sue Washburn of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church of Leechburg. They have two adult daughters.

He is hopeful more residents will attend the monthly supervisors meetings.

“Show up and participate,” he said.

Residents with questions or concerns can email Thornton at mthornton@washingtontownship.com.