Ashland Borough Council pays tribute to late president, Joseph Leinenbach
ASHLAND - Ashland Borough Council remembered its late president, Joseph Leinenbach, during Wednesday's meeting, recognizing his contributions to council and the borough at large.
Leinenbach, 84, passed away Aug. 31 at Geisinger Medical Center. He was appointed to council to fill a vacancy in October 2002, and was elected council president during the reorganization meeting in January 2010.
Council Vice President Robert Orth chaired the meeting and spoke about his colleague on council before the meeting officially began.
"Tonight we convene under some mournful circumstances due to the passing of the late council president, Joseph Leinenbach," said Orth. "This past week has provided many of us with a variety of emotions - sadness as we discuss the loss of a colleague, friend and a faithful public servant, and happiness and laughter as we reflected upon our memories of Joe and exchanged stories of a witty man who enjoyed being on the receiving end of jokes as much as he enjoyed providing the joke."
Orth said Leinenbach had a deep devotion to his native Ashland.
"During the sharing of these stories, there always seemed to be one underlying constant in each story. Mr. Leinenbach had a deep admiration and love for Ashland," said Orth, noting a story about when Leinenbach was in the hospital a few months ago and all he seemed to be concerned about was getting back to the borough to attend the next council meeting.
"Although I didn't know him very long, it wasn't difficult for me to understand why many within the community held Mr. Leinenbach in such a high regard," said Orth. "This council will miss his presence and his valuable contributions. We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of President Joseph Leinenbach."
After the pledge of allegiance, Orth called for a moment of silence in memory of Leinenbach.
During the meeting, Orth read a resolution honoring Leinenbach, which was approved by council. A copy of the resolution will be forwarded to Leinenbach's family.
Mayor Dennis Kane also remembered his good friend and sometime political opponent.
"I've known Joe most of my life. Five years ago we were on opposite sides of the aisle. Joe was a heck of a Democrat and I think I'm a heck of a Republican, but when we walked through that (borough hall) door, Joe put politics aside and worked for the betterment of Ashland. He did an outstanding job and he's going to be sorely missed in the borough of Ashland. He really had Ashland and veterans organizations on the top of his list. Ashland has lost a great man."
Borough council is required to fill the seat within 30 days of when it became vacant. Any registered voter who has resided in Ashland for at least one year can apply for the position. Letters of interest can be mailed or dropped off at borough hall before Sept. 22, when a special meeting will be held at 7 p.m. to select a replacement. An executive session will be held prior to the meeting to interview potential candidates.
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