Pubdate: Fri, 22 Jul 2005
Source: Evening Sun (Hanover, PA)
Copyright: 2005 Evening Sun
Contact:  http://www.eveningsun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3512
Author: Melody Asper, Evening Sun Correspondent
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption - United States)

ABBOTTSTOWN ACCEPTS LIPPY'S RESIGNATION

Two Residents Express Their Interest In Filling Vacant Seat

Abbottstown borough has officially received a written resignation from 
Councilman Mark Lippy, who was arrested in the spring for possession of 
marijuana.

Lippy had been a borough councilman for four years. The position was in 
limbo for several months as the council waited to hear from him.

At Thursday night's borough meeting, the council accepted Lippy's letter of 
resignation both as councilman and a water-authority member. Lippy's letter 
did not state his reasons for leaving, and the council did not discuss the 
issue. Lippy's term would have expired Dec. 31, 2007.

Although it is often difficult for municipalities to fill vacant seats, two 
borough residents - John Stambaugh and Debbie Shearer - attended Thursday's 
meeting to express their interest in the now-open council seat.

Council president Steve Sauter said several other residents have also 
expressed interest in the position. Sauter asked that any residents who 
would be like to apply for the seat submit a letter of interest to the 
borough indicating prior experience and their reason for applying.

"We are happy to see that so many residents are interested. It's unusual 
for us to have so many people who want to serve the community," Sauter 
said. "We will review the information and we will be making our decision at 
our next meeting."

Borough solicitor Sharon Myers said the municipality has 30 days to make 
the decision.

The person named to replace Lippy will retain the seat until after the next 
municipal primary election in 2007, Myers said. Usually an appointment of a 
vacant council seat is only for a period of up to one year, but the 
extended term would come into effect because this year's primary has 
already taken place.

TO BECOME INVOLVED

Anyone interested in applying for the open seat on the Abbottstown Borough 
Council can submit a letter of interest indicating prior experience and 
their reason for applying at the borough office on Water Street during 
regular business hours. The next borough meeting will be Thursday, Aug. 18 
at 7 p.m.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom