The resignation of long time council member William Kovacs from Hanover Township Council created a short-term vacancy.

Kovacs resigned at the end of 2013 and council decided to wait until newly elected members were seated before making an appointment for the seat. Council called a special meeting Jan. 20, to address the vacancy.

"We had four, well-qualified candidates," Council Chairman Bruce Paulus said. "It shows an increased interest from the community about what goes on at council. In the past, I had to try and recruit people to serve on council."

The four people who submitted resumes were Diane Szabo, who recently moved back to Hanover, Ricky Bonn, head of the Chestnut Grove Homeowner's Association, Paul Galgon and John Martucci, member of the Zoning Hearing Board.

Prior to announcing council's selection, Paulus presented his rational for the decision.

"We like to promote people from within so we first look to residents serving on our boards and committees," he said.

Paulus added he was looking for the best-qualified candidate and one that had time to dedicate to running the township.

Two candidates, Martucci and Szabo, attended the special meeting.

Martucci addressed council, explaining his managerial skills gained while serving as transportation manager with Walgreens. He started a trucking business servicing Walgreen's accounts and later sold the business.

"I do take on assignments now, but I can control when I take a job," Martucci said.

Szabo retired from a position in California and returned to the area. She indicated that she had the time and ability to handle council member's duties.

Council selected Martucci to fill the vacancy and indicated to Szabo that openings exist on the planning commission and the zoning hearing board.

Martucci will be sworn in at the next regular meeting Feb. 5 and will be seated as a full member. His term expires December 2015 and he will be required to run for election in 2015 if he desires to remain on council.