Reading councilwoman appointed to council president's seat

Jun. 28—City Councilwoman Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz was appointed council president unanimously at a council meeting Monday. The term will run until the end of 2023.

Cepeda-Freytiz replaces Jeffrey S. Waltman Sr., who died June 13 of natural causes.

Waltman had been a member of council since 2000 and served as president since 2015.

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 Waltman began the day the office was vacated.

"It's kind of emotional for me, because we spoke every week," Cepeda-Freytiz said, speaking of her predecessor. "He was a great mentor, a great role model. You know, I miss him dearly, and I hope to carry out his legacy."

As former council vice president, Cepeda-Freytiz had stepped in earlier this year to chair council meetings during Waltman's illness.

Councilwomen Donna Reed and Marcia Goodman-Hinnershitz thanked her for accepting both leadership roles.

Considering the circumstances, Reed said, the appointment is not necessarily a cause for celebration. However, she noted, it is certainly a sign of the respect council has for Cepeda-Freytiz.

"I look forward to supporting you," Reed said. "You've stepped in throughout most of this year, at the time that was, I know, a challenge to you. You've done a really great job, and I'm appreciative of that."

Cepeda-Freytiz — the owner of Mi Casa Su Casa Cafe, 320 Penn St. — was appointed District 6 representative in January 2019 and elected to the seat in November that year.

She cannot hold two positions on council, City Solicitor Michael Gombar said, and must resign the District 6 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 five 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 five openings include the seats of president and Districts 1, 2, 3 and 6.

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

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

Only the District 4 seat held by Councilman Wesley Butler and District 5 seat held by Reed will not be up for reelection, she said.

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.