CLARKS SUMMIT — The borough of Clarks Summit has a new mayor.

Herman Johnson was sworn in during a special meeting Oct. 25, filling the position vacated when Patty Lawler resigned due to her move to Clarks Green.

He was approved by council by a 3-2-1 vote. Councilmen Pat Williams and Dominic Scott along with council President Gerrie Carey voted yes; councilmen Bob Bennett and Vince Cruciani voted no; and councilman Dave Jenkins abstained.

Per borough code, Johnson will receive a salary of $5,000 as mayor.

According to borough manager Virginia Kehoe, Johnson will serve the remainder of Lawler’s term and will have the opportunity to run for re-election in two years.

Johnson, 69, served on Clarks Summit council for nine years, spent 10 years as the borough’s emergency management director, and 15 years as a part-time police officer in the borough.

“I guess my heart is in the police department and the safety of our community,” Johnson said. “I feel I can step up to the plate and provide safety for the residents of the borough.”

Johnson, who was defeated by Lawler in the 2013 mayoral election, feels the former mayor did a fine job.

“As far as I’m concerned, mayor Lawler did a commendable job and I don’t think I have to tweak anything, but you never know,” he said. “I would like to wait six months to see how it goes and see if I can fine tweak it or leave it the way it is.”

Johnson added he will have an open door policy and invites borough residents to contact him regarding any issues they are encountering.

Members of council voted, 6-0, to appoint Frank Besten to Johnson’s spot on council.

Per borough code, Besten will receive a salary of $2,500 as a councilman

“I would like to thank everyone for having the confidence to put me in this position,” Besten said. “I promise I’ll do my best. I know most people on this council and we’re all doing the same thing, working for the people of the borough.”

Members of council voted, 5-1, to appoint Jenkins as vice president of council, the position previously held by Johnson. Williams cast the only vote against the appointment.

Frank Besten was sworn in as a new member of Clarks Summit Borough Council by Lackawanna County Judge Julia Munley during a special meeting Oct. 25.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_ABJ-CS-Council-Besten.jpg.optimal.jpgFrank Besten was sworn in as a new member of Clarks Summit Borough Council by Lackawanna County Judge Julia Munley during a special meeting Oct. 25. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

Former Clarks Summit Councilman Herman Johnson was sworn in as the borough’s new mayor by Lackawanna County Judge Julia Munley during a special meeting Oct. 25. At Johnson’s left is his wife, Christine.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/web1_ABJ-CS-Council-Johnson.jpg.optimal.jpgFormer Clarks Summit Councilman Herman Johnson was sworn in as the borough’s new mayor by Lackawanna County Judge Julia Munley during a special meeting Oct. 25. At Johnson’s left is his wife, Christine. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

By Robert Tomkavage

rtomkavage@timesleader.com

Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage.