Celaschi quits Charleroi council

By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
In a surprise move, a Charleroi councilman abruptly resigned from council Wednesday.
With about three years left on a four-year term, Councilman Larry Celaschi submitted a letter of resignation to his colleagues hours before yesterday’s council meeting.
He’s the third council member, following Randy DiPiazza in September and Debbie Buck in November, to unexpectedly submit a letter of resignation.
Former Mayor Nancy Ellis was appointed to fill DiPiazza’s vacant seat and newcomer Martin Gassner most recently filled the seat left by Buck.
Celaschi was not present at the meeting. When contacted after the meeting, Celaschi said he was celebrating his birthday. When asked why he resigned, Celaschi said it was time.
“This council and I have not seen eye to eye for the past year,” he said. “There are many opportunities and projects that have and are still passing Charleroi by. Time ran out.”
His resignation was unanimously accepted by President Jerry Jericho, Vice President Jeannine Motycki and council members Gassner, Ellis and Jody Cheplic.
Councilwoman Heidi Cramer was absent.
In his resignation letter, Celaschi said he intended to resign in December, but did not do so because of unfinished business.

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