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HAZLE TWP. — Township supervisors on Monday night named Andrew Benyo as the replacement for former Supervisor Anthony “Midge” Matz, who had resigned amid allegations that he misused a township gas card.
The board also passed an ordinance banning the sale of bath salts in the township.
Upon Supervisor Francis Boyarski’s announcement of the selection, several gasps were heard from the sizable crowd at the meeting. However, several residents who stepped up to the podium congratulated Benyo, saying he was a good choice for the position. And comments of the crowd were generally positive.
Matz resigned last month.
In previously published reports solicitor Charles Pedri said there was no criminal intent by Matz, but there was a violation of township policy. It was also previously reported that Matz said he had used the card instead of filing for mileage reimbursement in the amount of $2,500.
Boyarski cited Benyo’s 18 years of experience as a supervisor in the past and his tenure as roadmaster as a basis for the supervisors’ choice. Benyo is also a former board chairman.
Chairman William Gallagher said 10 resumes had been submitted for the position, and he encouraged those who were not chosen to engage in other areas of public service.
In voting to ban bath salts, the board took action similar to that taken by several other municipalities in the area in response to well-publicized problems with the substance.
Ed Pane, director of Serento Gardens alcohol and drug services, Hazleton, supported the passing of this ordinance, stating that local emergency rooms have seen an increase in drug-related cases due to the use of bath salts.
He compared the effects of the substance to PCP and stated that it often caused “overt psychosis.”
Pane emphasized that not only must the ordinance be passed, but it must also be consistently enforced, especially in businesses operating in the Laurel Mall, where young people tend to gather.
Concern in regard to a possible methadone clinic was also voiced and Pedri indicated that was a zoning issue.
The zoning board meeting is schedule for Monday.