Crescent Appoints New Commissioner

The today appointed a new commissioner to fill a vacancy due to the death of

Joe Sabol, a 23-year Crescent resident, will serve as the board's fifth commissioner through the end of the year. 

Board President Bill Cook said that Sabol has not been appointed as the township's police commissioner -- the position that Withee held for several terms while on the board. He said commissioners will be reappointed to township committees later. 

"[Sabol] has the qualifications," said Cook. "Out of respect for Jim, we waited until all of the memorials and services were over. But Joe had expressed an interest, and it was my opinion that he was qualified."

Withee, 77, who died in April, was seeking re-election for his seat in this year's municipal election.  He had run unopposed in this week's primary election, receiving 50 percent of the Democratic vote against write-in candidates. The township's Democratic committee may select another nominee to run in November's general election. 

Under Pennsylvania law, the board has  30 days to fill the vacancy on the board. 

"It's a feeling of accomplishment," Sabol said following the board's monthly meeting today. "But I don't really know what I'm getting into just yet."