Charleroi: Pivovarnik returns to council
By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
By a split decision, Paul Pivovarnik is back on Charleroi Council.
Pivovarnik last served on council as president in 2017, but lost a primary election bid that spring.
When former Councilman Dave DiPiazza resigned in October 2018, former Councilman Larry Celaschi nominated Pivovarnik to fill the vacancy. Council members Jerry Jericho, Jeannine Motycki and former councilwomen Debbie Buck and Heidi Cramer voted for current Councilwoman Nancy Ellis.
When Buck resigned from council one month after DiPiazza, Celaschi again nominated Pivovarnik, but council decided to advertise the vacancy before making an appointment.
Buck’s seat was filled by first-time Councilman Martin Gassner, who is no longer on council after not seeking reelection. On Wednesday, in a split vote decided by Mayor Ed Bryner, Pivovarnik took his seat back in council chambers.
He will replace Cramer, who resigned in December.
Pivovarnik was nominated to fill the vacancy by Councilman Frank Paterra, who voted for him, along with councilwomen Nancy Ellis and Jody Cheplic.
Councilwoman Jeannine Motycki, President Mark Alterici and Vice President Jerry Jericho voted for Dr. Marc Biagini.
Bryner made the final decision, opting to appoint Pivovarnik to the post.
Joe Smith, a lifelong Charleroi resident, also applied for the seat but didn’t receive a nomination.
Pivovarnik said he has missed serving his community.
“I have been hinting and thinking about running anyway, because I have missed being involved,” he said. “I don’t play games. I am here to do what I can for our town, not to create waves or align with anyone. I am there to do a job, which I feel is what I have always done.”
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