Mary Wickenheiser is sworn in by Mayor Leo Lutz.
Mary Wickenheiser was appointed to Columbia Borough Council tonight, filling a vacancy left by Stephanie Weisser's resignation in December 2016.
Interviews for the vacant borough council seat were held this evening during the special meeting. Frank Doutrich and Mary Wickenheiser, both of whom previously served on council, had submitted letters of interest.
Doutrich took the podium first and rescinded his bid for the seat telling council, "I don't feel I can work with you people." He also told council that he has a better chance of being hit by lightning than being appointed to fill the vacant seat.
Mary Wickenheiser was next to be interviewed and told council that she would be required to resign her position as tax collector if she were appointed to the seat. She had a letter of resignation prepared, and gave it to council. Wickenheiser said that she does a significant amount of volunteer work and knows what's going on in the borough. She said that she supports what this current council is doing.
Councilwoman Dr. Sherry Welsh made the motion to appoint Mary Wickenheiser to the seat with a second from Councilman Cleon Berntheizel. The motion carried unanimously and Wickenheiser was sworn in by Mayor Leo Lutz. Wickenheiser will fill the seat left by Stephanie Weisser in December 2016 with a term to expire December 31, 2017.