PLUMSTED — A long string of unexcused Township Committee meeting absences by Committeeman Steve Reed resulted in his seat being deemed vacant by state law on Nov. 9.
The governing body’s declaration started the clock ticking on a 30-day process to find his replacement.
Reed stopped attending municipal meetings in July. The resolution to designate his seat as vacant passed in a unanimous vote.
“Unfortunately, Steve could not participate for the last part of the year, but for the first part of his term he was very active and a good committeeman,” Mayor Ron Dancer said. “We will miss him.”
By law, a seat of elected office is deemed vacant after eight consecutive weeks of unexcused absences. Reed has been absent for about 18 weeks.
Exceptions could be made for sickness or other extenuating issues if allowed by a majority of the committee.
As it stands, the Republican municipal committee will submit the names of three potential replacements for Reed to the Township Committee within 15 days of the vacancy.
Once that happens, the Township Committee has 15 days to select one of those individuals to take a seat on the committee. That person will serve through 2012.
In November 2012, the final year of the three-year term Reed won in November 2010 will be on the election ballot.
The person who is named to replace Reed on the governing body will have the opportunity, along with any other qualified individuals, to run for the right to serve the remaining year of the term.
“I am very sorry this is the route we had to go at this point. I wish he would have been here. He was elected to perform a duty and we need that person [here] to help us,” Committeeman Jack Trotta said.
Committeeman Eric Sorchik, who could not attend the Nov. 9 municipal meeting in person, participated by telephone from Maryland.
Reed could not be reached for comment.
Reed “did spend a lot of time and did a lot of good work here,” Deputy Mayor Dave Leutwyler said. “It’s unfortunate this is what the law states and we need to move forward at this time.”