Lansford fills vacant seat

Lansford Council voted Wednesday night to appoint a former police chief to the seat vacated by Matthew Walsh.

By a 4-1 vote, with one abstention, council chose Bruce Markovich over three other candidates who submitted letters of interest.

Markovich is a former chief of the Summit Hill Police Department and an active member of the Lansford Historical Society.

He said in his letter that his experience as chief made him a good candidate for the job.

“My previous experience as police chief has provided me with experience in budgeting, ordinance and policy procedures,” he said.

The other applicants were Martin Ditsky, Robert Benek and Charlie Knipper.

Only Irma Leibensperger voted against Markovich. Joe Butrie abstained because he said he is a longtime friend of Markovich.

Markovich will serve through next December. The seat will be back on the ballot for borough residents to vote on next November.

“I look forward to working with the other members of borough council to try to solve the ongoing problems our town is facing,” Markovich said.