Jennifer Mayo Appointed to Middle Ward Council Seat

The newest councilwoman is already a familiar face around Phoenixville Borough Hall.

Jennifer Mayo was appointed Tuesday night at a special borough council meeting by a 4-3 vote to fill the by former Vice President Michael Handwerk.

Mayo served on the borough’s planning commission for four years and has also served as secretary for the Historic Architecture Review Board. Additionally, she’s a public member of the borough’s Economic Development Committee, which met prior to the council meeting Tuesday.

“I’m definitely looking forward to moving up the ladder,” Mayo said during her interview.

Councilwoman Dana Dugan asked each candidate the same question, about his or her opinion on the recent budget difficulties and discussions regarding cuts and tax increases.

In response, Mayo told council that development would be key to increasing the tax base, and pointed out

“Moving that along will definitely help our tax base,” she said.

Members of council asked each applicant if they’d be running for the open seat during the upcoming primaries. Mayo said she’d be participating in the election.

“I’ve already said yes, that I want to run,” Mayo said.

Mayo will submit a written resignation for her spot on the planning commission. In the past, she applied for the open seat vacated by former Council President Henry Wagner, but missed the appointment to Marc Reber (R-Middle).

During a roll call vote on the appointment, Dugan (D-West), James Evans (D-North), Council President Richard Kirkner (D-North) and Michael Speck (D-East) supported Mayo’s appointment. Marc Reber (R-Middle), David Gautreau (R-East) and Vice President Kendrick Buckwalter (R-West) voted against it.

Mayo was sworn in by Mayor Leo Scoda at Tuesday's meeting.

Two others interviewed for the middle ward position Tuesday night. Dorene Pasekoff, who also applied for the open position in May, stepped up to the podium, and Greg Hytha interviewed, as well. (Full disclosure: Pasekoff is the restaurant reviewer for Phoenixville Patch.)

Kirkner questioned Hytha’s role in the north side project in regard to a 2007 council ethics policy. The Community Development Corporation (CDC) hired Hytha as a contractor for an ongoing project.

Hytha told council he hasn’t been paid for all of his services. Council will face the decision on whether or not to disperse those funds to the CDC.  Hytha said he could recuse himself from that vote. Kirkner said council was “unprepared” to deal with the implications of Hytha’s role at Tuesday’s meeting.

Buckwalter asked Solicitor Andrew Rau to look into the policy in regard to the possible appointment of Hytha. According to Rau, several issues would come into play with appointing a subcontractor.

The next meeting of Phoenixville Borough Council will be March 8 at 7 p.m.