Gilpin seeks applicants to fill supervisor seat
An opportunity is knocking for Gilpin residents interested in public service.
Supervisor Linda Alworth submitted a letter of resignation Tuesday, leaving a vacancy on the five-member board.
Alworth left the post because she moved out of the township.
“We haven’t received any submissions yet, but we’re hoping to see a good turnout,” Supervisors Chairman Charles Stull said. “I think I can speak for the entire board when I say it has been a pleasure serving with Linda and wish her nothing but the best moving forward. She has done a lot for our community.”
Alworth served on the board for seven years after being appointed in 2016.
“It’s been an honor and pleasure to be a Gilpin supervisor,” Alworth said Friday. “Over the years, I got to meet so many great people. I wanted to leave knowing I made a contribution to this lovely area. You have supervisors here who are forward-thinking, and they have your best interest at mind.”
Alworth is retired and pursuing artistic pursuits.
“Art has been a dream of mine. I leave you with heartfelt thanks and appreciation. Your love and support will always be remembered,” she said.
Stull described serving in a supervisor role as fun and rewarding, but said sometimes it has its challenges.
“It can take a lot out of you mentally,” Stull said. “It’s often a lot of unhappy people and sometimes for things entirely out of your control.”
The supervisor position is an unpaid post.
“We voted in 2021 to eliminate the monthly $50 pay,” Stull said.
Responsibilities require a person willing to be hands-on and involved in discussions and monthly meetings.
“You have to be able to work with the others and be available to the residents,” Stull said. “The board is seeking hardworking and community-driven residents.”
Applicants must be at least 18, a Gilpin resident for at least one year and a registered voter.
Those submitting letters of interest are asked to include their name, address, duration of Gilpin residency, a brief biography and a short description of their qualifications.
Alworth’s appointment is through Dec. 31, 2025.
The deadline to apply is Friday, Oct. 13. Interested residents can email their application to secretary@gilpintwp.com, hand deliver it to the township office or mail it to 589 Route 66, Leechburg, PA 15656.
Board members will schedule interviews and plan to vote on a new supervisor at their Oct. 17 meeting.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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