Hatboro Council Appoints New Member

Without much discussion, the Republican-controlled Hatboro Borough Council on Monday night appointed a GOP candidate in November's election to fill the seat of Councilman Vincent LaSorsa, who resigned last month.

Thomas Harbaugh, a Republican newcomer seeking a seat on the seven-member council, was appointed by a 5-1 vote. 

"Are we having interviews?" Democrat Patty Fleming asked. "I was under the impression that we always interview."

Council President John Zygmont said that the governing body would not interview for the post, which continues through year's end because, "we have to fill this position within 30 days of July 31 and we don’t have another meeting scheduled."

Zygmont, alluding to when the Democrats were in power, said the previous council did not interview candidates for the positions of solicitor or borough manager "and that was alright."

Mayor Norm Hawkes swore Harbaugh in and he took a seat among the council at the start of Monday's night's committee meeting.

LaSorsa, while on the board, served as vice president, but the governing body did not choose a replacement for that post. Councilman Bill Tompkins said that would typically be done during a reorganization.