(Lebanon) — Friends and colleagues said Lebanon County Commissioner William Ames was a good person who was passionate about helping people in his community. Ames, 81, died of complications from COVID-19 Tuesday morning at Good Samaritan Hospital.
“His consistent approach was always to be a listener, to give thoughtful consideration, and to make fair decisions,” read a statement from Lebanon County Commissioners. “He always gave his time and his ear to everyone, often offering to help their plight or cause in any way he could. His contributions and his presence will be greatly missed.”
Ames was elected to the position as a Republican in 2012 and was serving his third term, along with Democrat Jo Ellen Litz and Republican Robert Phillips.
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Lebanon County Commissioner William Ames.
Philips said he met Ames when they both were running for election, and he really got to know him on drives together around Lebanon County. Phillips noted, many people never even realized that Ames was legally blind the last 25 years of his life–something that prevented him from driving a car, but didn’t stop him from doing his job.
In May 2020, Ames and Phillips voted to reject Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf’s business closure order. Phillips said Ames was a principled conservative who, even while sick with COVID-19 in December, considered running for a fourth term after being criticized by a few local Republicans for approving a small tax increase.
“He was a fearless advocate for Lebanon County every day, and that’s another part of his legacy that will live on,” Phillips said.
Phillips said Ames “brought to the table an awful lot” from previous business ventures. He noted that Ames was a retired Derry Township School District shop teacher and owned a successful property management business, Ames Sales and Service. Ames had served as a South Londonderry Township supervisor before he was elected as a county commissioner.
Lebanon County Commissioner William Ames, at left, and Republican state Sen. Chris Gebhard, at right.
Former Lebanon County Chair Patricia Braden said Ames’ business experience helped steer the county in the right direction on complex financial issues such as paying pensions and improving its bond rating.
“You could have a decent conversation with him, and maybe you don’t agree with him, but he would tell you his reasoning, and you know, you could tell him yours, and you’re still friends. That type of a person,” Braden said.
Republican State Sen. Chris Gebhard of Lebanon County said Ames was both a friend and mentor.
“Above all, I know Bill was truly dedicated to helping his friends, neighbors and community,” Gebhard said. “He will be truly missed. Please keep Commissioner Ames and his family in your thoughts and prayers during these trying times.”
The Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas will appoint a new Republican to fill the commissioner position.
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