Ross commissioners have elected an eight-year veteran on the board to be their new president.

Daniel DeMarco, a lifelong township resident, was elected without opposition. He began his third four-year term on the board Jan. 7.

Lana Mazur, who headed the board for two years, declined to run for re-election to president. The commissioners elected her vice president.

Mr. DeMarco, 43, grew up in the township's 1st Ward, which he now represents as a commissioner. A lawyer, he is a graduate of Allegheny College and Duquesne Law School.

"She did a terrific job of communicating with department heads and the other commissioners," Mr. DeMarco said of his predecessor. "It's great to have her as a backup."

He said he hoped he would be able to bring a new pair of eyes to examine township problems. "It always helps to have a new perspective," he said.

The commissioners carry out their business through a committee system with members serving as links to township agencies and departments.

A former volunteer firefighter with the Berkeley Hills department, Mr. DeMarco served as liaison to fire departments. If no other commissioner is interested in taking on that position, Mr. DeMarco said he may continue in that role.

Incumbent commissioners Grace Stanko, Daniel Kinross, Grant Montgomery and Gerald O'Brien also were sworn in and began new terms Jan. 7.

Bonnie Brimmeier was reappointed solicitor.