04 Jan 2016 Project 21 Founding Member Bishop Council Nedd II to be Sworn in as Pennsylvania State Constable on January 4

Washington, D.C. – Project 21 founding member Bishop Council Nedd II, rector of St. Alban’s Anglican Church in Pine Grove Mills, PA, will be sworn in as a Pennsylvania State Constable on January 4.

“I’m excited about this new endeavor,” says Bishop Nedd. “I come from a family of law enforcement officers, so law enforcement is a vocation that has always been near and dear to my heart. However, my father, uncles and brother never wanted me to go into the family business. They wanted me to become an attorney. I’ve always tried to set my own path, so I worked in Washington politics for three different members of Congress (including a stint as investigator for Rep. Bill Clinger from State College, PA), as a lobbyist and then became an Anglican priest and Bishop.”

Constables are empowered by state law to enforce the law, just like district attorneys, sheriffs and the police.

The first Constables in the territory called Penn’s Woods began serving in 1664. In 1681, Pennsylvania officially became a commonwealth and in 1787 became a commonwealth state of the USA. Constables were among the first public officials of the Commonwealth.

“I decided to run for constable because I think it’s a noble office, and the single most cost-efficient form of government. The utilization of constables only adds money to the bottom line of any municipality,” Nedd said.

Nedd added: “I am also very concerned about arbitrary and capricious enforcement of laws. The arbitrary enforcement of laws, collection of fines and fees seldom is in favor of the least enfranchised people in a particular community. At least in this part of Pennsylvania, those who can least afford to pay municipal fines are the ones who are most vigorously pursued.”

Constables in Pennsylvania are elected to serve a six-year term and are peace officers by virtue of the office they hold. Constables are elected at the municipal level; however, state law governs Constables and they have statewide authority, thus the hold the title “State Constable.” Upon completing state certification and training, they may also serve as the Law Enforcement Arm of the Court. Constables primarily serve the District Courts but may also assist in serving the Common Pleas Court, when requested by the Sheriff.

“I’ve seen some of the negative news stories about constables. Most of the constables that I have met are committed professionals who serve well their regions of the state and echo the ethos of the communities they serve. However, if I can help to revive the image and restore the reputation of constables, I’m proud to be used towards that end,” said Nedd.

“As a committed Christian, I also believe I have an obligation to give back to the community that loaned me this position of leadership. To that end, I plan to dedicate ten percent of the money I make to help those in Ferguson Township who need assistance,” Nedd added.

“We congratulate Bishop Nedd on his election to the prestigious position of constable,” said Amy Ridenour, chairman of the National Center for Public Policy Research, which sponsors Project 21. “Council Nedd has been an active spokesman for Project 21 since 1992, and we can say with confidence that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is lucky to have him.”

Buck Productions is exploring the idea of doing a reality show featuring Bishop Nedd in his multiple roles as a bishop, a constable, and a national spokesman for the Project 21 black leadership network. “We feel that Council Nedd is an interesting character with a unique set of circumstances outlined by his new position within the Law and his continued responsibility as a priest. We are working closely with Council to see what content opportunities we can unearth,” said Jim Kiriakakis, head of TV & Development for Buck Productions.

The National Center for Public Policy Research, founded in 1982, is a non-partisan, free-market, independent conservative think-tank. Ninety-four percent of its support comes from individuals, less than four percent from foundations, and less than two percent from corporations. It receives over 350,000 individual contributions a year from over 96,000 active recent contributors.

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