Four Applicants for LH Council Vacancy

LOCK HAVEN — Expect Lock Haven City Council to fill the existing council vacancy at its March 17 meeting.

Council Monday night interviewed four candidates seeking to replace Lynda Carey who resigned a month ago, announcing earlier she would be moving to Dunnstown.

All four were interviewed individually and privately following council’s regular meeting. They are realtors Richard Morris and Machell Scott; independent energy consultant Doug Byerly; and former South Renovo council member Randy Strouse.

All four do not know at this point what the compensation will be for the successful applicant.

Carey, as a previously elected council member, was paid $1,200 annually. But council earlier last year changed the pay scale, providing for $3,600 annually for those elected or re-elected in November and taking the oath of office in January.

Mayor Rick Vilello told The Record the city is researching whether the appointee, as a replacement for Carey, should get the $1,200 a year compensation or $3,600 as a new council member.

He said none of the four applicants asked about the pay scale during the course of their interviews.

Carey’s unexpired term will run through Dec. 31, 2015.

Council has traditionally filled any vacancies with applicants from the same political party as the resigned. Carey is a Republican but council so far has given no indication it will follow past practice.