Annual Convention

118th BCATO Annual Convention Highlights

Local Leadership, Policy Discussion, and Service Recognition with Municipal leaders, officials, and partners from across Bucks County gathered for the BCATO Annual Convention for a morning focused on collaboration, policy updates, and recognition of service to local government. The event opened with registration and a breakfast buffet, providing attendees an opportunity to network and visit sponsor exhibits before the formal program began.

Opening Remarks and Ceremonial Start
BCATO President Maggie Rash of Buckingham Township called the meeting to order and welcomed attendees to the convention. The program began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of reflection led by Vince Deon of Northampton Township. President Rash

Honoring a Legacy of Service
A highlight of the morning was the presentation of the George Metzger Service Award. This year’s awards were presented to Adam Selisker of Northampton Township, with a donation asked to be made to the Bucks County Heroes Scholarship Fund and an award was awarded posthumously to Dick Weaver in recognition of his dedication and lasting contributions to the municipal community. In honor of Weaver’s legacy, a donation was made to Good Friends, Inc. of Morrisville, an organization that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Sponsor Spotlight
President Rash highlighted and gave thanks to the sponsors for their ongoing support.

Organizational Business and Elections
The association conducted several important items of business during the convention. Members approved the consent agenda, which included the 117th Annual Convention Meeting Minutes, the 2025 Audit Letter, a by-law amendment, and the 2026 budget.

The Nominating Committee—represented by Jane Magne, Jennifer Herring, and Matt Given—presented the slate of officers for the 2026–2028 term, which was approved by a vote of the membership. Members also voted to approve the association’s 2026 resolutions, presented by Chester Pogonowski and Dave Nyman.

Updates from County Leadership
Attendees received an update from Bucks County leadership featuring Diane Ellis-Marseglia, Vice Chair of the Bucks County Board of Commissioners, included insights on county initiatives and priorities affecting municipalities. Also presenting was Angie Nagle, Director of Parks and Recreation, who highlighted developments and opportunities within the county’s parks system.

Statewide Policy Perspective
A policy update was delivered by Holly Fishel, Policy and Research Director for the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS), who provided attendees with a briefing on legislative and policy issues impacting townships across Pennsylvania.

Panel Discussion: Protecting Municipal Sovereignty
The convention’s featured program was a panel discussion titled “Protecting Municipal Sovereignty.” The conversation brought together state and local leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities municipalities face in maintaining local authority and decision-making.
Panelists included Holly Fishel, Terry Clemons of Clemons Richter & Reiss, P.C., State Senator Frank Farry, and State Representative Joe Hogan, along with Scott Burton and Christian Regosch from the Bucks County Planning Commission, and Nick Valla, Assistant Township Manager for Middletown Township. The panel addressed legislative trends, land-use planning considerations, and the importance of strong collaboration among municipalities, counties, and the state.

Closing
President Maggie Rash concluded the program with closing remarks, thanking attendees, sponsors, and speakers for contributing to a productive and informative convention.
The event underscored BCATO’s continued commitment to supporting municipal officials, fostering collaboration, and addressing the issues that matter most to Bucks County communities.