Tarentum Councilman Adam Blythe appointed temporary mayor

A Tarentum councilman resigned his position Tuesday to become the borough’s temporary mayor.

Adam Blythe, who represents the 2nd Ward, was appointed by council to serve as mayor until after the Nov. 2 election.

The vote was 4-2, with Lou Ann Homa and Ray Kerr opposing.

Neither Homa nor Kerr could immediately be reached for comment.

“It’s a pretty unique situation that we’re in right now,” Blythe said. “The change will only be for a month or so.”

Council chose to appoint a mayor, despite the general election next month, so daily business would go uninterrupted, council President Scott Dadowski said.

Former Mayor Eric Carter resigned in September because of scheduling conflicts, he said. Carter’s term had been scheduled to end Dec. 31.

Dadowski said council had 30 days to name an interim replacement.

In the general election, two candidates are on the ballot seeking to fill the full, four-year term. Former borough police Officer Robert Lang and current Councilwoman Carrie Fox are vying for the position.

Lang lost the Democratic primary in May to Fox but won the Republican nomination as a write-in candidate.

Lang requested to be appointed to fill Carter’s position until the election, but council opted not to go that route.

Blythe said he was in favor of filling the mayor’s office himself so council remained hands-off regarding the election.

“There are things going on that I’m already aware of, so it provides continuous leadership,” he said.

“Plus, with that race going on, we just thought council should not be making a recommendation on that position.”

Blythe is running unopposed for his 2nd Ward council seat. He will resume his council position after the winner of the mayor’s election takes office.