Newly appointed supervisor Nicholas Larock answers questions about the position during an interview at Thursday’s meeting.
Margaret Roarty | Times Leader
Supervisors Joseph DiSabella Jr. and Jennifer Pecora listen to public comment.
Margaret Roarty | Times Leader
Sugarloaf resident John Zola answers questions during a public interview Thursday.
Margaret Roarty | Times Leader
About 43 people attend Thursday’s special meeting.
Margaret Roarty | Times Leader
Pecora speaks during Thursday’s special meeting.
Margaret Roarty | Times Leader
Supervisors Joseph DiSabella Jr. and Jennifer Pecora go over the notes they took during each candidate interview.
Margaret Roarty | Times Leader
SUGARLOAF TWP. — Sugarloaf Board of Supervisors during a special meeting Thursday appointed a new supervisor to fill a vacancy on the board.
Nicholas Larock, a member of the planning commission, was approved for the position by supervisors Jennifer Pecora and Joseph DiSabella Jr.
Larock will take over for former chairman Rick Weaver, who resigned last month.
Larock is a majority inspector of Sugarloaf District 3 and was previously a township auditor.
During his interview, he said this experience provided him “with a valuable insight into the operations of our township” and that “the roles have strengthened [his] understanding of local government and enhanced [his] ability to effectively serve and advocate for our community.”
The board had intended to swear Larock in at the end of the meeting, but decided to hold off until a future meeting.
This seemed to be in response to outcry from several residents in the audience, who did not agree with his appointment.
Larock’s appointment followed a question and answer session in which Larock and two other interested residents, John Zola and Jeffrey Mason, spoke about their qualifications for the job and what their priorities would be if chosen for it.
Larock during his interview said it was important for the township to “strike a balance between honoring our history and embracing opportunities for growth” and that “responsible development within our industrial zone can help strengthen our local economy, expand our tax base, and provide resources.”
Development was also a big focus for Zola, who said he wanted to become a supervisor to protect the people of Sugarloaf.
“I would also ensure whatever industry goes into our industrial area is safe for the people, our environment, and our natural resources,” he said.
Mason was unable to attend the meeting in person, so he submitted in writing answers to the questions given to all candidates ahead of time. Sugarloaf Township Manager Liz Tolan read them aloud for the board and attendees to hear.
Another resident, Gary Busch, was listed on the agenda, but Tolan said he withdrew his interest prior to Thursday’s meeting.
About 43 residents attended the meeting and some seemed unhappy with the board’s decision to appoint Larock.
During public comment, Tony Cook, of Conygham, asked the people in attendance how many of them wanted Zola appointed as the new supervisor.
At least half of those at the meeting raised their hands.
“That’s a pile of hands, guys. You can’t really ignore the room,” Tony said.
Tony’s wife, Erika, also voiced support for Zola.
“John has attended almost every single supervisor’s meeting and quite a few planning meetings. This is not a popularity contest. This is about leadership. Attendance and real participation is at the upmost importance at this time,” she said.
Erika criticized Larock for only attending three out of the nine planning commission meetings listed on the township’s website for 2025-2026, based on those meeting minutes.
After the candidates answered questions, Pecora and DiSabella briefly discussed their qualifications and explained what they were looking for in a new supervisor.
Pecora said she wanted someone who would “focus on effective communication, fostering relationships in the community” and someone who would put their personal feelings aside for the good of the township.
Prior to this, Pecora explained why she did not support appointing Zola as a supervisor.
“The minute I got elected, I was hated. I don’t know if any of you know what that feels like, but it’s terrible, the things that are being said and the way I’m treated. None of that is ever taken into consideration so for that reason, I will say openly that John Zola does not have my support,” she said.
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