Penndel Council President Removed From Leadership Role

After weeks of heated debates between Penndel Borough Council President Sean Weckerly and residents, the residents have achieved their first step towards closure.

Weckerly, who as of 7:30 p.m. on Monday night sat as council president for the board of six, left the meeting as just a council member.

After what residents say are years of accusations, the Penndel board took action Monday night, saying the ever-spreading rumors of Weckerly and his wife Anne poisoning local dogs, were permitting the board from “getting anything done,” according to council member Beverly Wolfe.

Wolfe, used moments of public comment to suggest that Weckerly “do the right thing, what was best for him, the people of Penndel and the borough council and leave his role as president.” When he didn’t, Wolfe made the motion to recall him from his position, a motion that was well received by board and audience members.

When Weckerly asked her why, Wolfe replied, “I think that even with all the good things that have been done and could be done, with all the things going on, the way was lost.”

This is the first time in Penndel history, a president has ever been recalled from their position.

The remaining board, which consists of only six members since Vice president Sue Anderson resigned last month, debated for nearly thirty minutes on who should take over as president.

“This is pathetic, I’m just watching all of you bicker,” said resident Moses Lewis.

Arlene Harms, a long sitting feature of Penndel, was nominated to take over as acting president until the board reaches full capacity, at which point a new president will be formally chosen. The board has until the end of January to fill Anderson’s position.

Mike Kowalchik, owner of Penndel’s Sunoco gas and service station, said that while removing Weckerly from his presidency is a start, removing him from council is the residents next step. Kowalchik told LevittownNow.com that while Penndel needs a change, he’s not sure it’s going to get it.

“I don’t have a problem with anyone here,” Harms said after being elected acting president. “I just want to move on. Things have to change and if they don’t, it’s all of you who are going to suffer.”

At the council’s December meeting, the Weckerly’s denied they poisoned any dogs and both stated they loved animals.

Those interested in applying for the vacant position on the council board are asked to submit a letter of intent to Council and Borough Secretary Marie Serota at mserota@boroughofpenndel.org.