Betsie Ryan joined the 2004 Florence Township Council as fellow Democrats Councilman John Fratinardo and Mayor Michael Muchowski were sworn in for their second straight terms.
By: Scott Morgan
FLORENCE A packed house welcomed newcomer Betsie Ryan to the 2004 Township Council last week, as Councilman John Fratinardo and Mayor Michael Muchowski were sworn in for their second straight terms.
The three Democrats took their oaths of office in a routine reorganization meeting Jan. 7. Ms. Ryan, 43, stepped into the seat left vacant by retired Council President John Hofflinger, also a Democrat, saying to residents, "I hope to honor you through my service to the community."
Mr. Fratinardo, 56, was named this year’s council president. He said he hopes to continue in Mr. Hofflinger’s path, as well as the one the council is currently on.
"We all work very hard," Mr. Fratinardo said. "On both sides of the political aisle."
The political balance of the council remains the same as last year, with four Democrats (Ms. Ryan, Mr. Fratinardo, Councilman Frank Baldorossi and Mayor Muchowski) and two Republicans (Councilmen Jerry Sandusky and Bruce Garganio).
Mayor Muchowski, 39, offered his gratitude to township residents for entrusting him to continue in the mayor’s chair.
"I got into this for all the right reasons," he said. "I stay in this for all the right reasons. I pledge to you, as I have in the past, to work to make Florence a better place."