Post-Mayor McCrorey era begins Monday in Richburg

By Charles D. Perry - Charles D. Perry

RICHBURG -- The town of Richburg will get a new mayor Monday night for the first time since 1967.

James Harris will fill the spot held by John Boyd McCrorey, who shepherded the northeastern Chester County town of 335 until he died in July at age 91.

A mayoral election would have been held in November, but because Harris was the only candidate who filed for the seat, state law allows the county election commission to appoint him to the post, said Earl Moore, director of the Chester County Election Commission.

Harris, who could not be reached for comment, is scheduled to be sworn in Monday night.

Harris currently serves as a town councilman. An election for his council seat is scheduled for November.

Filing for the seat begins at noon Friday and ends at noon on Oct. 10.

The Richburg mayor's post isn't known as much for its significance as it is for the man who held it.

McCrorey was the longest-serving mayor in the state when he died.

The father of three and grandfather of three was first elected to the Town Council as a council member in 1964.

The mayor's office followed in 1967 after then-Richburg Mayor Jacob "J.A." Clawson died during his 31st year in office.

McCrorey was elected as mayor in 1968 and served in that capacity for more than 40 years, being elected 21 times.

During his decades in office, McCrorey helped the town get sewer service. He saw the arrival of Interstate 77 and, in turn, the clusters of industry that began popping up near Richburg.

McCrorey's willingness to serve others was rewarded over the decades when voters returned him to office time and time again. He most recently was re-elected in 2007.

"I've been fussed at, cussed and shot at, too, in these 40-something years," McCrorey told The Herald last year. "But I've enjoyed every minute of it."

The Richburg mayor serves a two-year term and is paid $1,650 annually.