The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Local News

November 9, 2007

Sharon home rule transition steps outlined

Up next: Formation of transition panel

By Courtney Anderson

SHARON — Now that the voters have spoken, Sharon officials must look to making the switch from third-class city government to home rule.

Under the charter that voters approved by a 2-to-1 margin, a nine-member transition committee must be established within 30 days of Tuesday’s adoption. It will be made up of two council members chosen by council, three members of the home rule study commission chosen by the commission and four voters — two chosen by council and two chosen by the study commission.

The committee will draft an administrative code, laying out duties and functions of city departments. The code must be approved by council by Jan. 1, 2009, and be developed under the supervision of the city solicitor.

The committee will also make sure that “all necessary action” is taken to make the charter fully operational.

Under the charter, every regulation already in place that does not violate the charter will remain in place.

Some things in the charter will take effect immediately, including the sections governing citizens’ rights and participation and initiative and referendum.

Officials elected prior to or during the 2007 municipal election have the right to serve out their terms.

Mayor Bob Lucas and Treasurer Diane Thut have both said they will finish their terms. Lucas’ is up the first of 2010 and Mrs. Thut’s tenure ends the beginning of 2012.

Under the charter, council will by ordinance eliminate the mayor, controller and treasurer’s offices.

A city manager will be appointed after the mayor’s term is up or the office is vacated. A finance officer will be appointed after the first manager is hired.

Lucas said Wednesday he plans to finish his term and will work with the transition committee.

“I hope the team is a good team because the city is going to need it,” Lucas said. “We’ve got to make it work.”

He noted that more than 900 people voted against the charter and they think things are headed in the right direction.

“To just cut it off would set the city back,” Lucas said. “The city’s on the cusp of turning a corner.”

Mrs. Thut, who was the highest vote-getter of any candidate in the city, Wednesday said she plans to complete her four-year term.

She said she has no bitterness about the charter’s adoption and the cutting of her position.

“The people voted for change,” Mrs. Thut said. “I hope what they voted for, they’re going to get.”

Mrs. Thut said the voters’ decision won’t affect what she does in her office.

“There’s no job security anywhere, especially in politics,” Mrs. Thut said. “For every door that shuts, another opens. I’m going to get up every day … I’m going to do the job that the people elected me to do.”

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