Choosing between well-qualified candidates, Bethlehem City Council members unanimously selected George Yasso for controller at a special meeting Feb. 23.

Yasso, a consultant with Serratelli Financial Group, will serve as the city's controller through Jan. 4, 2016, when a new elected controller takes office, serving out the last two years of the term left open by David DiGiacinto, who died suddenly Jan. 25.

The other candidate for the position was Glenn Wesley, a former Crayola assistant controller who owned his own auditing company.

Council President J. William Reynolds said that having to choose a new controller is "a sad day for Bethlehem. Everyone wishes we weren't here," he said, adding, "Whoever is chosen will have very large shoes to fill. (DiGiacinto's) love for this city was unmatched."

Both candidates had strong qualifications, Council member Eric Evans said. He thanked Wesley and Yasso "for offering their time and talents to the City of Bethlehem."

"I'm comfortable with either of them," Evans told his fellow council members. "I don't think we need to look any further."

Council member Michael Recchiuti said he agreed that both candidates were qualified and pointed out that, "Yasso was born and raised here." Recchiuti also noted the office of controller has a few changes in the job description. There is now a third -party auditor, so that is no longer one of the controller's duties. Some of the other controller functions include signing documents and contract review.

After the vote, Yasso spoke about his memories of DiGiacinto and pledged to serve the city. "I considered him a good friend. He gave me a lot of good advice. I considered him a mentor. I was as devastated as anyone" upon hearing of DiGIacinto's death, Yasso said.

Yasso had previously run for the controller position in 2012. Choosing to try again for the position was difficult, he said. "It was not a decision I made lightly. I want to thank all members of council for the vote of confidence. I'm willing to commit whatever hours are necessary."

Yasso also thanked Wesley for "putting your name in."

After the meeting, Yasso said, "I look forward to serving the city. I'm proud to have grown up here."