East Vandergrift looking for person to fill council seat through December

A vacancy on East Vandergrift Council remains unfilled.

Councilwoman Bonita “Bonnie” (Zalenski) Bober died unexpectedly from health complications July 9. Bober had served on council since 2018. She was hired as borough secretary in 2016.

Current Borough Secretary Kristen Sarno said the news of Bober’s unexpected death was a shock.

Sarno said she spent time with Bober in the borough office the morning of her death.

“She was a very valued and loved person, not just from council, but in the community,” Sarno said. “It’s a big hit.”

A longtime volunteer in the borough, Bober served on council’s health and safety and sanitation committees.

“She was always happy to listen to concerns or complaints and help where she could,” said her daughter, Kimberly Bober of East Vandergrift. “My mom liked to be involved with the community.”

Bonnie Bober was a Kiski Area High School alumnae who later taught in the district for 33 years. She retired in 2013.

The borough is accepting letters of interest for the council vacant seat, but Sarno said nobody has applied.

The person appointed to replace Bober would serve only until December.

East Vandergrift Council members are paid $45 monthly.

Sarno said nobody from the borough has applied for the seat, but she’s hopeful someone will apply for the vacancy.

Interested applicants for a council position must have resided in East Vandergrift for at least 12 months, be least 18 years old and be a registered voter.

“Council will have to appoint someone if nobody applies,” Sarno said.

Council will fill the position when they meet Friday, Sept. 7.