Jen Wanamaker, a lifelong Cressona resident, was appointed to the borough’s council on Monday evening.
Wanamaker was one of five people who came forward expressing interest in the position following the resignation of John Grodis, who moved out of the area.
Following a brief executive session after each of the candidates introduced themselves to Borough Council members, Wanamaker was the only one nominated for the open seat.
All members voted in favor of bringing Wanamaker on board with the exception of Michael Pascuzzo, who abstained because his daughter, Sofia, was one of the five contenders.
Wanamaker will serve until a special election – the next municipal election – is held in 2025, during which she can run for the seat she now occupies.
“I’ve lived here my entire life. My kids are grown now and they’re out (of the house). So, I have plenty of extra time,” Wanamaker said following her appointment to council. “I see how the town is. I see how the town used to be. I’m just trying to keep it a safe area.”
As for her time on council, Wanamaker would like to get more people involved to create more of a community vibe.
“I want to try to get more people involved in the community and have different activities for the kids and even for the adults, to try to get a community setting to get everybody to come together,” she said.
The other four people who expressed interest in filling the vacant seat were:
- Nichole Mumbauer
- Sofia Pascuzzo
- Joseph Squillace
- Tony Allen
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