At the reorganizational meeting Monday, Jan. 6, Catasauqua Borough Council elected Vincent Smith as new council president.

During the meeting, Mayor Barbara Schlegel then asked for nominations.

The president's position is often negotiated behind the scenes, with prospective candidates testing their levels of support with other members of council.

Prior to the meeting there were rumors that more than one candidate would be nominated, but from the results, Smith had the number of votes needed to be elected.

The final vote was 4 to 3 in favor of his candidacy.

Councilmen Brian Bartholomew, Brian McKittrick and Eugene Schlegel voted against Smith. Because of the order in which Borough Manager Eugene Goldfeder called the roll call vote, Smith cast the deciding vote for the office.

Although it seems that the voting was contentious, every council member elected as Catasauqua's president of council in recent memory has been elected by a similar vote. The vote represents the changing coalitions on council.

Two new members were elected to council in November. Christine Weaver and Debra Mellish replaced veterans Alfred Regits and Mitzi Smith.

As is the custom, the newly-elected president is given the first opportunity to nominate a council vice presidentl. Smith nominated Jessica Kroope for the position. She was elected by a vote of 5-2, with Bartholomew and McKittrick oppossed.

Smith assigned committee chair positions as part of the reorganization process. Bartholomew was assigned as chair of the public works; McKittrick, chair of public safety; Kroope, chair of the recreation; Eugene Schlegel, chair of public utilities; Weaver, chair of planning and zoning; and Mellish, chair of general government. Weaver will represent the borough at Catasauqua School Board meetings.

Council, by unanimous consent, continued its long-standing relationship with the law firm of Dimmich and Dinkelacker as solicitor and reaffirmed the Pidcock Company as borough engineer.