(9/15) Following the resignation of Councilmember Robert Verderaime in August, the Carroll Valley Borough Council appointed Kari Buterbaugh to fill the seat. The term runs until December 31st, in which a municipal election will fill the seat for two years.
Buterbaugh has been a resident of Carroll Valley for 33 years and brings a wealth of community knowledge to the council. In her application letter addressed to the borough, Buterbaugh stated as a local businesswoman that she will bring a strong interest in maintaining the borough’s beauty, charm, and sense of community. She is committed to keeping the area a great place to raise a family, retire, and vacation.
Buterbaugh said she would emphasize maintaining public buildings, parks, lakes, and roads, as well as continuing community events for all ages, while keeping reasonable residential growth.
Other applicants for the open position included Catherine Schubring and Sara Laird.
If appointed, Schubring said she would bring new ideas to retain young families intown and preserve the area for future generations. She would also get involved in the Parks and Recreation Committee to bring fresh ideas for social planning and attract young people to stay and raise families. One of her priorities would have been to see continual improvement to the playgrounds to provide safe, creative spaces. Schubring said she would want to see the serene community continue to thrive for retirees and those on fixed income by keeping taxes low.
Sara Laird noted she currently oversees the Mount’s technology services, has overseen and managed the Human Capital Management and Finance system, and has helped scope support services including twice yearly bundles of new functionality.
During the pandemic, Laird helped develop a strategy to enable every Mount faculty member to present instruction to students who are in the classroom and remote simultaneously. Laird has over 16 years of higher education technology. Laird has also overseen multiple construction and renovation projects to ensure that the appropriate technology and budget are utilized.
A certificate of appreciation was presented to Verderaime for his four years as a council member and vice president, who has rescinded his seat for personal reasons. "Your tireless pursuit of excellence and professionalism to enhance our community reflects great credit upon yourself and the borough," Mayor Ron Harris said.
Verderaime thanked the council, borough staff, and the leadership of President Richard Mathews for their immense dedication. "In my opinion, this council is the best one the borough has had, bar none, period."
