Long-time Reading councilwoman appointed council president

Jan. 10—Reading City Council has a new leader.

Councilwoman Donna Reed was unanimously appointed council president at a council meeting Monday.

The term will run until the end of 2023.

"I would like to thank everyone who is willing to have confidence in me," Reed said, "and I thank you for considering me."

Reed, who had been serving as council vice president, replaces Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, who resigned December 31.

Cepeda-Freytiz was elected in November to represent Pennsylvania's 129th Legislative District and was sworn into office in Harrisburg last week.

By city charter, council had 30 days to appoint a new president from within or fill the vacancy through a public application process.

The countdown to replace Cepeda-Freytiz began the day the office was vacated.

Cepeda-Freytiz was unanimously appointed council president in June to replace Jeffrey S. Waltman Sr., who died earlier that month of natural causes.

"I think what's important is, moving forward with all the transitions that we've had with city government, that we need to have a steady hand at the helm here," said Councilwoman Marcia Goodman- Hinnershitz. "I think she (Reed) can bring the leadership we need."

Reed was in her fifth term on council, representing District 5.

A graduate of Muhlenberg High School and The American University, Washington, DC, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major in political science and communication.

Reed was elected to council after working 23 years as a Reading Eagle reporter, editor and columnist. She also has written for local, state and national publications, is founder of the Pagoda Writers Group and a past editor of The Historical Review of Berks County.

Goodman-Hinnershitz said she served on council with Reed for nearly 20 years and their acquaintanceship dates to their days at Muhlenberg High. Even then, Goodman-Hinnershitz said, she recognized Reed's leadership capability.

Reed's vast knowledge of state, county and city initiatives will serve well as she guides council through a period of transition, Goodman-Hinnershitz said.

Because Reed cannot hold two positions on council, she must resign the District 5 seat.

That position, too, must be filled by council within 30 days of the date it is vacated, according to the charter.

The person selected will serve until the next municipal election, which will take place in 2023, and will need to be successful in that election to complete the remaining years on the term.

The recent turnover on council leaves six council seats, in addition to the offices of mayor and city auditor, open for the 2023 election.

Usually only the offices of mayor and auditor and three district seats or the council president and three district seats would be open in a single election, City Clerk Linda Kelleher said.

The six openings include the seats of president and districts 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6.

The District 1 seat is occupied by Christopher M. Daubert, who was appointed in April to replace Brianna Tyson, who resigned.

The District 6 seat is held by O. Christopher Miller, who was appointed in August, filling the position vacated by Cepeda-Freytiz following her appointment as council president.

Candidates for council president and the district 1, 5 and 6 seats will be elected to two-year terms to complete vacated terms, Kelleher said, noting those for the districts 2 and 3 seats will be elected to four-year terms.

Only the District 4 seat held by Councilman Wesley Butler will not be up for reelection.

Kelleher noted the boundaries for Districts 1 and 6 were revised this year by the redistricting commission and approved by council.

The adjustments are shown on the city website and elections office website.