AVALON – Avalon Borough Council moved to fill a vacancy in its membership, July 12, by authorizing the appointment of Planning and Zoning Board Chair Greg “Chet” Johnson to the seat vacated by John McCorristin.
McCorristin successfully won election as the borough’s mayor following the retirement of Martin Pagliughi.
Council President Jamie McDermott said Johnson has been a member of the Planning and Zoning Board since 2019, where he has served two terms.
He added that Johnson runs “a very successful business,” is treasurer of his church, and put six children through the Avalon school system.
He added that Johnson is someone we are all “comfortable and familiar with.”
Council members Sam Wierman and Barbara Juzaitis both added positive comments about Johnson, supporting his appointment to the vacant seat.
If he wishes to continue on council, Johnson will have to win the seat in the November general election.
Johnson’s appointment further solidifies the role of Planning and Zoning Board membership as an asset for a seat on the governing body.
On the current council, only one member, Mari Coskey, has not served on the Planning and Zoning Board. Wierman did not serve on that board until after his election to council in 2019. He is currently a member. Both McDermott and Juzaitis served on the board before becoming council members.
Johnson did not appear and was not sworn in at the July 12 meeting.
