Ligonier Township accepts Matson's resignation as supervisor, seeks candidates for appointment

Ligonier Township is seeking applicants for appointment to a vacant supervisor seat following the resignation of D. Scott Matson.

Matson, who was nearing the end of his second term on the township board, abruptly announced his decision to step down and left the meeting room near the beginning of the supervisors’ March 11 voting session. He cited other work and life obligations.

Matson confirmed his decision by submitting a subsequent resignation letter that didn’t provide any additional insight into his motivation to step down.

The township will accept letters of application through 5 p.m. April 4 from township residents who are interested in serving as an appointed supervisor.

Supervisor Stephanie Verna expressed hope she and fellow supervisors Erik Ross, Dan Resenic and John Beaufort could vote on the appointment at their scheduled April 8 meeting.

A letter of interest for the appointment already was received from Bethany Caldwell, township manager Michael Strelic said.

The supervisors have 30 days to agree on an appointee before the decision would fall to the township vacancy board — the supervisors with the addition of chairman John Fraser. Failing a decision at that stage, the appointment would be made by the Westmoreland County Court.

The appointment would expire at the end of this year.

In addition to Matson’s seat, that held by Ross is open in this year’s municipal election.

Candidates who are seeking election to one of the two six-year posts include Ross and fellow Republicans Robert Barron, Chris Hefner, Paul Knupp and Wade Stoner.