Susquehanna Borough Council filled the mayor’s post left vacant by the death of Denise Reddon.
Councilman Mike Matis was selected by council as the borough’s new mayor in a 3-2 vote.
Three candidates had submitted letters of interest for the mayor’s post. In addition to Matis, borough administrator Roberta Kelly and Councilman David Scales were also interested in the taking the position. Kelly is the sister of Reddon and has previously served as the borough’s mayor.
At the meeting, Scales asked that his name be withdrawn from council’s consideration.
Scales, along with Councilmen Joe Varsik and Bill Perry Jr. voted in favor of Matis.
Sue Crawford and Allen Wolf cast votes against Matis, voting instead for Kelly.
Council president Roy Williams has been serving as the acting mayor since Reddon’s death and – in that capacity – was not able to cast a vote.
Kelly, who has been employed as the borough administrator for the past two months, tendered her resignation, effective immediately, after Matis was selected.
Council accepted Kelly’s resignation, with regret.
Scales commented, “I don’t believe she left because of the mayor job.”
Kelly said she harbored no ill-will against the council and wished them well but said she thought resigning was the appropriate thing to do.
“I wanted to honor Denise by serving in the position and work for the betterment of the community,” said Kelly in a telephone interview on Wednesday.
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