Ambler Mayor Calls Out 'Misogyny' During Women's History Month

Comments on gender roles made at a Montgomery County government meeting spark outrage from local leaders.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:49pm

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A dimly lit government meeting room with a solitary podium or lectern in the center, bathed in warm, dramatic lighting that casts deep shadows, conceptually representing the weight of the misogynistic comments made during the proceedings.A somber, reflective scene captures the tension of a public discourse on gender roles, underscoring the ongoing challenges women in leadership face.Ambler Today

During a Montgomery County Commissioners meeting honoring women elected officials and entrepreneurs, a resident named Joe Rooney made comments that Ambler Mayor Jeanne Sorg characterized as 'frank misogyny'. Rooney stated that the 'only thing that really matters' for young women is to 'be a mother and a wife'. Mayor Sorg, who was present, strongly condemned Rooney's remarks, stating they 'should have been left back in 1975' and do not belong in 2026. Sorg, who is also the elected Recorder of Deeds for the county, vowed to continue advocating for girls and boys to take on leadership roles in their communities.

Why it matters

The comments made by Rooney during a public government meeting highlight the ongoing challenges women in leadership roles still face, even during events meant to celebrate their achievements. Mayor Sorg's strong rebuke underscores the need to address misogynistic attitudes that can still permeate local politics and public discourse, especially when directed at young women and girls.

The details

The comments occurred during a Montgomery County Commissioners meeting where 33 female mayors and municipal board chairs were invited to participate in ceremonial proceedings honoring their public service. During the meeting, Rooney stated that the 'only thing that really matters' for young women is to 'be a mother and a wife', and that no one would remember Sorg as the mayor of Ambler except for her own family. Sorg, who was present, strongly condemned Rooney's remarks, stating they 'should have been left back in 1975' and do not belong in 2026. Sorg, who is also the elected Recorder of Deeds for the county, vowed to continue advocating for girls and boys to take on leadership roles in their communities.

  • The comments were made during a Montgomery County Commissioners meeting on March 30, 2026.

The players

Jeanne Sorg

The mayor of Ambler, Pennsylvania and the elected Recorder of Deeds for Montgomery County. Sorg strongly condemned the misogynistic comments made during the meeting.

Joe Rooney

An Abington Township resident who made the comments characterizing the 'ideal' role of women as being 'a mother and a wife' during the Montgomery County Commissioners meeting.

Neil Makhija

The Vice Chairman of the Montgomery County Commissioners, who praised the work of the women elected officials and entrepreneurs being honored during the meeting.

Jamila Winder

The Chairwoman of the Montgomery County Commissioners, who acknowledged the historical challenges women have faced in accessing leadership roles.

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What they’re saying

“'God bless our mothers and wives. Young ladies, if you want to make a difference in life, be a mother and a wife. That's the only thing that really matters. That is what really matters in life.'”

— Joe Rooney, Abington Township resident

“'It felt very much like something that should have been left back in 1975 when my mother was fighting for her right to work. [It] should have been left way back then.'”

— Jeanne Sorg, Mayor of Ambler

“'You've shown how you can listen, show up and advocate for your communities. Historically, we as women have not had equal access to leadership spaces.'”

— Jamila Winder, Montgomery County Commissioners Chairwoman

What’s next

Mayor Sorg plans to continue advocating for girls and boys to take on leadership roles in their communities, vowing to ensure that all people are granted the same opportunities regardless of gender.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges women in leadership roles still face, even during events meant to celebrate their achievements. Mayor Sorg's strong rebuke underscores the need to address misogynistic attitudes that can still permeate local politics and public discourse, especially when directed at young women and girls.