Kendra Clarke appointed to fill council vacancy in Etna

A new council person was appointed in Etna to fill a vacancy that runs through 2021.

Kendra Clarke, a four-year resident of the borough, will represent the 3^rd Ward. She was among three applicants seeking to replace Bill O’Dell after his resignation in December.

“I have developed a strong commitment and desire to serving, growing and activating the community,” Clarke said.

“Borough staff and municipal services work tirelessly to help the community and are committed to its well-being. I hope that by serving, I can contribute to ongoing positive impacts to the health and safety of the community.”

A recent example is the borough’s new human relations commission that aligns with the goals of the non-discrimination ordinance approved in November.

The guidelines support marginalized residents by prohibiting bias based on race, sexual orientation, family status, age and other identifiers.

Across Pennsylvania, only 34% of the population is protected by local ordinances from discrimination based on both sexual orientation and gender identity, according to the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), a data analysis group.

Clarke applauded council for establishing a healthy and safe place for people to live and work for future generations to come.

The 3rd Ward consists of the neighborhood left of Grant Avenue, from Dewey Street to the top of Grant Avenue at the border.

Manager Mary Ellen Ramage said Clarke will have the option to run in the spring primary and November general election to seek a full term. Clarke has served on the borough’s planning commission for about a year, she said.

Clarke also has volunteered with neighborhood enhancement initiatives like the Etna Community Organization and the Triboro Ecodistrict.

Her immediate goals include identifying issues or incentives that need spotlighted or nurtured, she said, along with addressing people or groups that are not adequately represented by the work council is already doing.

Clarke said she hopes to work with neighboring municipalities to strengthen relationships and shared resources and assets.

“My goals are to contribute to the health and safety of the community, which ultimately improves the welfare and well-being of the people who live and work here,” she said. “Working through these goals will ultimately lead to growing Etna into a vibrant and successful place where people want to live, work and spend leisurely time.”