With Archbald Mayor Ed Fairbrother declining to run for another term, the race for mayor is wide open. With no one running for the Republican nomination to the post, there's a good chance the winner of the May 21 Democratic primary will take the helm of Lackawanna County's largest borough.
Running for the Democratic nomination are Shirley Barrett, David Moran and Lawrence West. The post pays $5,000 annually.
Council member and restaurateur Ms. Barrett cites a host of concerns, such as traffic, out-of-town landlords and the need for more concerted code enforcement. While a mayor may have limited authority, she sees the post as a way for citizens to get their concerns heard. She hopes to continue work she began on council as part of an exploratory committee for a civic center that would serve seniors and youths.
"As a growing community, this is the sort of amenity we should begin to consider," she said.
Mr. West, a semi-retired truck driver, has also served on council but sees the mayorship as a way to increase his involvement in the community. He promises to be a visible mayor.
Likewise, Mr. Moran said serving as mayor is a way to give back to the community. He pledged to do that by donating the mayor's salary to local charities. Mr. Moran wants to work closely with the police department and educators to improve school safety.
"I'm satisfied with the performance of the current council and mayor but there is always room for improvement," Mr. Moran said.
Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.comShirley Barrett
Age: 57
Family: Husband, Gene Barrett.
Education: Valley View High School
Employment: Co-owner, operator of Barrett's Pub, Archbald
Experience: Borough council, 2007 to present
Top issue: Public safety
David Moran
Age: 65
Family: Wife, Sandra; one daughter
Education: Jessup High School
Employment: Retired human resources administrator at Procter & Gamble
Experience: Two nonconsecutive terms, Archbald council. Served as Valley View school director for two years in the 1980s
Top issue: Public safety
Lawrence West
Age: 69
Family: Wife, Margaret, three children
Education: Archbald High School
Employment: Semi-retired truck driver/courier. Formerly driver for Keystone Propane, Archbald police officer, state constable.
Experience: Borough council, 1993 to 2001, long active with Black Diamond Hose Company No. 2
Top issue: Fiscal responsibility