Solicitor Says Borough Has Confirmed Residency Of Councilwoman

A review has confirmed that Bristol Borough Councilperson Lorraine Cullen remains a resident of the municipality and is eligible to maintain her seat after the sale of her home earlier this year.

Borough Solicitor Brendan Corrigan, of the firm Begley, Carlin and Mandio, announced this week that his office concluded its investigation into Cullen’s residency status.

The inquiry began after Cullen sold her Wilson Avenue property in the East Ward she represents earlier this year.

The sale led to questions regarding her eligibility to serve on the council and whether she still lived in the borough.

According to Corrigan, the councilwoman provided documentation proving she has remained in the home as a tenant.

“We have concluded that Councilwoman Cullen is a resident of Bristol Borough as she is a tenant of the property,” Corrigan said. “She is, therefore, eligible to continue to serve in her role as a Bristol Borough Council person.”

The issue was raised at the April 13 council meeting when Mayor Frank Peranteau questioned Solicitor Jeffrey Garton about the procedures for handling vacancies on the governing body.

While Cullen also owns a home at the shore, she maintained that the Wilson Avenue residence remains her primary residence through a lease agreement, officials said.

Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe said Cullen had addressed the matter with legal counsel before it became public.

According to DiGuiseppe, Cullen showed proof of her residency through a lease agreement, renter’s insurance, a valid driver’s license, and mail delivery to the borough home.

As part of the borough code, council members are required to maintain a residence within the borough they represent and must be registered voters. The law also mandates that elected officials live in the municipality continuously for at least one year prior to their election.

Failure to maintain residency requires an official to vacate their position.

Violations of the borough code can result in civil challenges before the courts or, in certain circumstances, potential criminal charges.

After the solicitor’s findings were announced at Monday’s council meeting, DiGuiseppe called on the mayor to help dispel rumors on the councilwoman’s status.

“It’s really not right what people are doing to her,” DiGuiseppe said.

The councilmember’s husband, Steve Cullen, serves on the borough school board.