A Small Borough, a Big Dispute
Collingswood, home to about 14,000 residents, is governed by a three-member board of commissioners elected every four years in nonpartisan races. The board appoints one of its members as mayor.
Maley has served as a commissioner since 1989 and held the mayor’s post from 1997 until May, when his political allies lost their seats. Solano-Ward and Amy Henderson Riley, running under the Collingswood Forward slate, secured a new majority.
EMS Capacity Concerns Sparked Talks
The dispute traces back to concerns raised by the borough’s fire chief about the department’s ability to handle roughly 4,000 emergency calls each year, according to statements made during the Dec. 1 meeting. Emergency medical services generate about $450,000 annually, the lawsuit says.
The complaint alleges that Solano-Ward met with the fire chief in August and included her husband, Jared Ward, a Virtua critical-care physician, in the discussion.
Ward does not hold a leadership role at Virtua. A spokesperson for the health system declined to comment on the litigation.
