Saturday, July 23, 2011 MAYOR HANK EBERLE WAS SELECTED AS MAYOR OF THE YEAR FOR THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA BY THE PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF MAYORS ON JULY 23, 2011.  CONGRATULATIONS HANK FOR BRINGING SUCH A PRESTIGIOUS AWARD BACK TO RIDLEY PARK!


On an annual basis, the Pennsylvania State Mayors' Association (PSMA) invites officials of the municipalities of its member Mayors to consider whether their Mayors have had a significant impact upon their communities and are worthy of the title "Mayor of the Year." Nominees are expected to be leaders in their municipalities and have accomplishments which are extraordinary. 

In 2011, the PSMA  "Mayor of the Year" was Henry A. Eberle, Jr., affectionately known as "Hank," who is the Mayor of the Borough of Ridley Park in Delaware County. Council President, Bob Berger and Borough Manager, Carole Nasella, nominated Mayor Henry A. Eberle, Jr., in part, because he personifies what a Borough Mayor should be. He is kind, caring and above all, friendly. Mayor Eberle knows everyone (and everyone knows him) in the Borough of Ridley Park. He is the Master of Ceremonies at many events in the Borough, including the annual Towne Fair, Main Street events and the July 4th festivities. He has kissed many a baby and helped many a senior citizen. Mayor Eberle honors many residents from Daisy Scouts to seniors for the pride that they take in their community.  

During his tenure over the past 14 years, Mayor Eberle has championed many causes. He was the municipal spokesperson with the Federal Aviation Administration when the FAA sought to expand the Philadelphia Airport into Delaware County. Mayor Eberle was a driving force in obtaining a matching $1 million grant that was utilized to build a state-of-the-art police station which was completed in 2007. He was also instrumental in the revitalization of the downtown area of Ridley Park by assisting in obtaining various grants so that a three-phase plan could be implemented. Mayor Eberle assisted in the formation of Main Streets of Ridley Park, an association which promotes the business district of the Borough  

Mayor Eberle has served as a director on various athletic, church and medical organizations. In 2011, Mayor Eberle was awarded the Philanthropist of the Year by the Taylor Community Foundation where he has served as a Board member since 1998 working effortlessly for those less fortunate as well as for students who pursue a career in the medical field.

Mayor Eberle was also instrumental in the formation of the Youth Aid Panel within the Borough. The Youth Aid Panel hears cases of juveniles who are first-time offenders and assesses penalties upon the youth without having them go through the Court system.

In short, Mayor Eberle has an abundance of energy and talent which he shares with his Borough on a daily basis. Many people in Ridley Park Borough believe that their Borough has been forever changed thanks to him. The PSMA calls upon all Mayors to recognize and congratulate Mayor Henry A. "Hank" Eberle, Jr. as its 2011 "Mayor of the Year."