LAFLIN — Laflin Borough Council appointed Maureen Zavislak to serve as the new mayor during its reorganization meeting Tuesday night.
Former Mayor Dorothy Yazurlo resigned Sunday due to frustration in attempting to bring regional police coverage to the borough with the assistance of Jenkins Township’s police department. Yazurlo has also said in the past that a majority of council members want to continue with the Pennsylvania State Police providing service after the borough discontinued its police department in 2014. Yazurlo held the position for nearly 10 years and had two years remaining in her second term before her resignation.
“I just think that spending $65,000 to $69,000 with Jenkins, or going into the regionalization, it would have cost $179,000 to $215,000,” said Zavislak. “It really isn’t worth it when we’re using our tax dollars for two calls a month, or whatever the case may be.”
Zavislak, 43, has resided in Laflin most of her life. Even though this is her first time serving as a public official, she has been involved in the community with volunteer work. She has new ideas for programs for children and teenagers to get involved in the community, do fun activities in the effort to keep them out of trouble.
“It will bring some new life to Laflin,” she said.
Zavislak’s husband is the head of Laflin’s neighborhood watch group and both of them teach self-defense classes for women, something she hopes to continue in the future. “I want to give back to society,” she said.
Thomas Parry was appointed to fill a vacant council seat after former Councilwoman Sandra Falcone resigned. Newly elected Councilmen Paul Benderavich and Anthony D’Eliseo were sworn in along with Councilman Carl Yastremski, who was relected for another term.
In other business, the council approved:
Benderavich to serve as the council president
D’Eliseo to to serve as the council vice- president
Carl Yastremski to serve as President Pro Tem
Matthew D’Elia to serve as junior councilperson
The council also decided to:
• Repeal a regional police ordinance using police services from Jenkins Township
• Authorize a letter to officially close the Laflin Borough Police Department Facebook Page
The council will hold regular monthly meetings the second Tuesday of each month and work sessions as needed prior to the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. with the exception of the Jan. 23 regular council meeting.
