Lower Burrell Councilwoman Rosina Albanese resigns, citing work commitments

Lower Burrell Councilwoman Rosina Albanese has resigned.

City council announced Albanese’s resignation at its meeting Monday night.

Albanese was sworn onto council in 2020.

In her resignation letter, she wrote that it was with a heavy heart that she make the decision to resign, “as I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the community over the past three years.”

“However, due to other commitments, primarily my work responsibilities, I find myself unable to dedicate the time and attention required to fulfill my duties effectively,” she wrote.

Albanese oversaw the city’s parks and recreation department.

An attempt to reach Albanese on Tuesday was unsuccessful.

Her term expires at the end of the year, and she did not seek reelection. She wrote that as her term was nearing its end, she believed it to be “an opportune moment” for her replacement to step into the role and begin work on council.

Lower Burrell’s primary election results this May were all unopposed. Mike Stanoski and Ron Welker won nominations to city council seats, effectively placing them on the dais next year.

Other seats in Lower Burrell will shift, as Councilman Chris Fabry is the sole nomination for mayor, current Mayor John Andrejcik was unopposed in his bid for controller, and former Councilman Frank Trozzi won the nomination for treasurer.

Albanese wrote that she had complete confidence in Stanoski and Welker’s abilities to represent Lower Burrell’s residents.

“Their early start will ensure a seamless transition and provide them with ample time to familiarize themselves with the responsibilities and ongoing initiatives of the city council,” Albanese wrote.

Council plans to formally accept Albanese’s resignation July 3, Fabry said. It will then consider appointing either Stanoski or Welker to council July 10.

“It only makes sense for us to appoint one of those two,” Fabry said.

“We’re going to put (in) who the citizens picked,” he said.

Albanese also thanked city council, city staff and Lower Burrell residents for their support during her tenure on council.

“Together, we have accomplished many milestones and worked toward the betterment of our community,” she wrote.