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Lower Paxton board appoints George Little to vacant supervisor seat after debate over partisanship
Summary
The Lower Paxton Township Board of Supervisors voted July 21 to appoint George Little to a vacant supervisor seat after public comments about transparency and several supervisors’ differing selection criteria; the appointment followed solicitor guidance on the Second Class Township Code and a 3–1 roll-call outcome.
The Lower Paxton Township Board of Supervisors appointed George Little to fill a supervisor vacancy during its July 21 business meeting, concluding a public selection process that drew comments about transparency and political criteria.
Solicitor Luke Gibson reviewed the statutory requirements under the Second Class Township Code for filling a vacancy, telling the board that a candidate must be a registered township voter, have lived in the township at least one year before the vacancy is filled and not hold incompatible offices. After public comment and supervisor discussion, the board recorded a roll-call vote in which George Little received three affirmative votes and was declared appointed; swearing-in and orientation were expected August 3.
Public commenters pressed the board on the fairness of the interview process. Alan McCormick said past board behavior contributed to a ‘‘vitriol’’ that drove previous supervisors to resign and urged the new board to examine its part in that climate, saying, “the chickens are coming home to roost.” Anthony Cristillo raised concerns that a board member said she would vote only for a Democrat and argued the board should prioritize qualifications over party when choosing a resident to serve.
Supervisor Thompson defended the board’s recent procedural reforms — including adopting Robert’s Rules of Order, creating committee governance and holding public interviews for applicants — and said those changes reflect campaign promises to alter governance.
Board members described the interviewed candidates as qualified. One supervisor who supported Little cited his municipal budgeting experience and familiarity with open-meetings requirements as reasons he would represent the township well at regional meetings. The board’s solicitor advised that if the supervisors do not appoint someone by Aug. 6, the vacancy process would move to the vacancy board and potentially to Commonwealth Court.
George Little will be sworn in and take his seat at the board’s next meeting if procedural steps are completed. The board said it would follow up with orientation and contact the candidate with details about the oath and paperwork.
