By Garret Roberts
-CORAOPOLIS-
The Coraopolis Council will hold a special meeting on June 16 as a result of a tied vote when appointing a new member to a recently vacated seat.
The shift in personnel comes after councilwoman Lucinda Wade resigned from the council on June 9. While still a Coraopolis resident, a recent relocation out of the borough’s third ward caused her to forfeit her seat.
“I am grateful for having the opportunity to serve on the council for the past year,” Wade said in her letter to the council president. “I would like to thank the residents who have supported me, my fellow council members, Borough Manager Ray McCutcheon and Mayor Reed.”
Wade’s resignation letter also mentioned that she would continue to be active in the Coraopolis community through various local non-profits, such as the Coraopolis Youth Creations, where she serves as executive director.
After the council approved the motion to accept her resignation, councilman Robb Cardimen moved to appoint Danielle Burnette to fill the now-empty seat. Burnette is also running as the Republican opponent to councilman Chad Kraynyk in the upcoming election cycle.
After expressing concerns over not knowing or meeting the candidate before the vote, council came to a tie while appointing the new member. With Mayor Shawn Reed out of town on business during the meeting, the tie could not be broken and a special meeting will follow June 16.
The vacant position must be filled within 30 days of the June 9 meeting. Council remained unclear on the remaining term length of the unfilled seat.