Union County Commissioner Chair Preston Boop was recognized during the 28th Annual Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence.
Boop was among 14 communities, three organizations and nine individuals from across Pennsylvania to be recognized for their dedication to strengthening communities and better serving their residents. Central Keystone Council of Governments in Lewisburg was also recognized during the event on Wednesday at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg.
“It’s always an honor to be recognized,” said Boop. “I have to humbly say that I don’t know if I did anything special. I just did what I was supposed to do. It’s part of my job.”
Boop was unable to attend the ceremony on Wednesday, having prior obligations with the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP).
The Department of Community and Economic Development wrote that Boop “has been a CCAP Board of Directors member for the past ten years. Boop has rallied his colleagues in his central Pennsylvania region to advocate for increased state funding for 911 services, resulting in counties being able to take a first step toward securing the much-needed increases in a 911 surcharge. His passion towards this endeavor has increased the people’s safety and well-being.”
Boop, a Republican, is currently serving his sixth four-year term as county commissioner, having held the role since 2003. Boop was appointed chair in January. He previously served as chair but stepped down in 2022 to allow Commissioner Jeff Reber to be appointed.
DCED wrote that the Central Keystone Council of Government’s Maintenance Code for Property, Fire Safety, and Building “has followed the best practices of the International Property Maintenance Code and the International Fire Code to address common challenges in the area. The ability to tailor the code addresses concerns unique to a particular community. This efficiency, combined with a software upgrade, has reduced average staff hours spent on a code violation by 25%, reducing the cost of enforcement to municipalities.
“During Local Government Week, we are privileged to celebrate the local officials and organizations from all across Pennsylvania who dedicate their time, effort, and passion to getting stuff done and delivering real results for their communities,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro in a statement. “Our city and local governments are where the rubber meets the road, and our 2024 award recipients have shown exceptional dedication, the capacity for innovation, and an unwavering focus on making their communities a better place.”
He added, “From working directly with the people in their communities to provide essential services, to answering calls for help in 911 dispatch centers, to helping their most vulnerable neighbors during challenging times — each of these awardees has made a positive difference in Pennsylvania, and the commonwealth is proud to recognize them for their excellence.”