Late mayor’s granddaughter considered to fill term

October 5
Late mayor’s granddaughter considered to fill term

Cassandra Coleman is aide to Rep. Phyllis Mundy

Eileen Cipriani Dispatch Correspondent

Emotions spilled over during a packed Exeter Council work session as the family of the late Mayor Joe Coyne supported Cassandra Coleman, the mayor’s granddaughter, in her bid to fill the remainder of his term as mayor.

Cassandra Coleman, granddaughter of late Exeter Mayor Joseph Coyne, in front of the borough building, where she may be named to fill out her grandfather’s term at the Oct. 7 Borough council meeting.

photo by Don Carey

Helen Coyne, wife of the late mayor addressed council. She sighted numerous past incidents of family members in Exeter Borough, filling the remainder of elected officials’ terms when officials passed away. She demanded to know why council did not call her regarding filling her late husband’s term. Mrs. Coyne told council her family had met with the mayor prior to his death and his wish was for his granddaughter Cassandra to fill his term.

According to Barbara Coleman, her daughter Cassandra is a student at King’s College studying law and government; she also works as an aide to State Rep. Phyllis Mundy. As part of her work with Representative Mundy, she works with state government agencies and deals with constituents on a daily basis. Cassandra Coleman also was a junior councilperson during her high school years.

Mrs. Coleman asked council not to judge her solely on her age, but to consider the fact that the late mayor would have never suggested she fill his seat if she was not up to the task. “Many of you had to learn, when you took your seat (on council). We all think she could do the job,” concluded Barbara Coleman.

Bob Coyne pleaded with council to honor his brother’s wishes. “Respect the wishes of a man who did so much for this borough.” He stated that many of the members of council owe their start in politics to the late mayor.

Cassandra Coleman’s family was insulted that council advertised the open mayoral position in the paper. Councilman Joe Esposito said that it was required by law that the position be publicly announced.

Chairman Murawski said, according to the borough code and the state rules governing municipal governments, the mayoral seat needs to be filled within 30 days of the mayor’s death. The code does not offer any guidelines for filling the seat, only that the candidate must be a registered voter and resident of Exeter. He felt it was only fair to inform all residents of the open position.

Murawski and the rest of council interviewed Cassandra Coleman and another interested candidate, Millie Vasil, after the meeting. According to Murawski after her interview, Vasil retracted her letter of interest. Council will vote on the matter at the October 7 meeting.