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SWOYERSVILLE — To Christopher Concert, taking the oath of office Wednesday night as Swoyersville mayor was simply the next step in a life of service.
District Judge Paul Roberts administered the oath in which Concert aptly promised to serve the borough to the best of his ability.
Concert, an Independent who has served as a council member since 2012, replaced mayor Vincent Dennis, who passed away on April 23.
Before his death, Dennis served the borough as mayor for 30 years.
Following the oath, Concert said, “The opportunity to serve you as mayor will give our citizens the tools needed to make Swoyersville the place to raise a new generation of caring citizens.”
Concert gave his full attention to five-year-old Apalonia ‘Apple’ Passetti of Forty Fort as she sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” bringing a spirit of patriotism and community to the event.
A smiling council member Joe Olejnick had one word to sum up the future of the borough, “progress,” the very word Dennis used frequently.
Concert will serve out the remainder of Dennis’ term, which would have ended in January 2017. He is expected to run to retain the position in 2016.
“I’ll have about 18 months for people to get to know me in this new position,” he said.
Although he acknowledges he “has some big shoes to fill,” Concert said he would also be working on filling his own shoes, making new footprints and setting his own course.
“The borough has been and will continue to be well run,” said Concert, “I simply want to be the voice of the people.”
He said he would institute an open door policy,
“I want to be available to residents who have questions or concerns,” he said.
In giving up his position as council member, Concert also gave up his vote, but said he had every confidence he would work well with the present council.
The vacant spot in the third ward created by that vacancy will be duly advertised and council will have 30 days from May 4 (the date of Concert’s resignation) to make an appointment.
Concert will oversee the borough’s police department, headed by chief David Latoski. He said he foresees little change in regard to that department.
“The department is already doing a good job with a low crime rate,” said Concert, “we want to continue to provide them with what they need to provide excellent service.”
Concert, who was council liaison during his tenure on council, said he anticipates a continuing positive relationship with both the fire departments and ambulance association.
Concert said he will participate in the drafting of the budget late this year, but anticipates it will be a relatively painless task.
“Historically, we’ve been able to keep taxes low and steady, while continuing to provide excellent services,” he said.
State representative Aaron Kaufer R-Kingston, whose mother lives in Swoyersville, attended the ceremony, lauding both the mayor and council for their continuing service to the area.
Concert said he has also heard from officials and residents of other westside communities and hopes looks forward to working with them to support the westside.
He said the one continuing concern of borough residents it the conditions of the borough roadways. He said he would be seeking creative opportunities to fund street repairs, including application for grant monies.
Concert is well known for colorful and creative charity efforts centered around his website.
Although he said the website will soon shut down, his spirit of service and commitment to community will remain.He will continue to hold a yard sale each June yard sale with proceeds benefiting Valley with a Heart.
Embracing his new role, Concert also is looking forward to performing one new duty.
“I’ve been asked to officiate at a wedding,” he said.