Ambler tax collector resigns from Democratic party position following social media comments

Following backlash over comments made on social media in the aftermath of the death of Charlie Kirk, Ambler Tax Collector Jennifer Stomsky has resigned from her position as vice-chair of Area 14 of the Democratic Party, which encompasses Ambler, Lower Gwynedd, and Whitpain. 

On Sept. 10, following the shooting death of political activist Kirk, Stomsky went to Facebook to express her views on the events that unfolded. She wrote to fellow Democrats on Facebook to “GET A F*CKING SPINE” and that she was tired of being told that “violence is not the answer,” and offered that “history is filled with blood.” In one comment to her post, she responded with “let’s make more martyrs.”

Following those comments, there was a loud reaction on social media from users and residents who took Stomsky’s comments as a call for more violence. In the days that followed, Stomsky resigned today from her vice-chair position. 

Stomsky posted the following to social media to make the announcement: 

I would like to sincerely and deeply apologize for the posts of mine that have been circulating on social media. I recognize that my words were not only hurtful, but they fell far short of the standards I hold myself to and that this community deserves. I take full responsibility for the pain, disappointment, and division they have caused. 

The comments were written in a moment of frustration and were hyperbolic, never intended for public view, and in no way meant as a call for violence. Still, I understand that words have power. Political violence has no place in our community or in our discourse, and I regret that my words suggested I would ever believe anything to the contrary. For that, I am truly sorry. 

I also want to emphasize that these personal posts do not reflect my role as Tax Collector or the way I serve this community. In my position, I do not bring politics into my work. I am guided only by the laws and responsibilities of the office, and I treat every resident with fairness, dignity, and respect In order to take responsibility and ensure absolute confidence, I will be stepping down as Vice Chair of Area 14 Wissahickon Democrats. 

I know my actions have let people down, and I cannot undo the hurt my words have caused. What I can do is face this mistake fully, learn from it, and dedicate myself to earning back trust. This has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life, and I am determined to come through it a better person and a better public servant.

Stomsky still maintains her role as Ambler’s Tax Collector. The Tax Collector in Ambler is elected by the public and Borough Council has no legal authority to remove any elected official from office. She is up for re-election in November. 

Ambler Borough council members have also responded following the incident and resignation. 

“The individual opinions that Ambler Borough’s elected officials may share on their personal social media pages do not necessarily reflect those of Ambler Borough Council or Ambler Borough,” said Ambler Borough Council President Glynnis Siskind. “Ms. Stomsky’s recent posts/comments do not reflect those of Council, and we are glad to see that she has posted an apology and taken some corrective action.”

Ambler Borough Council member Nancy Roecker Coates added, “I stand with Governor Shapiro’s message on this. We have to condemn all political violence. Violence against one particular politician, no matter their party, makes us all less safe.”

The news of Stomsky’s comments made it past Ambler and into national news, as the social media account “Libs of TikTok” called out the Borough directly by name. The Libs of TikTok account wrote, “Ambler, PA tax collector and local Democratic Party leader calls for MORE ass*ssinations and violence…SHE NEEDS TO RESIGN” to its 4.4 million followers. 

Since the incident, Stomsky has made her social media pages private, and the Ambler Tax Collector Facebook page has been taken down. 

Robby Chakler is a veteran journalist/editor with nearly 20 years of experience in print and online media. He has worked at daily print newspapers, magazines and online publications. He grew up in Huntingdon Valley and has stayed in the local Montgomery County area since graduating from Penn State University in 2006, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism.