Nov 7, 2002 2 min read

There have been times when some of the county’s smaller boroughs have had a tough time finding enough interested citizens to serve as mayors and council members. Such is not the case currently in Dawson where three citizens are interested in the recently-vacated post of mayor. Given the shenanigans that accompanied recent voting by borough council to attempt to appoint a mayor, one would think the post carries much prestige and a hefty salary. It does not, of course. And two of the interested candidates Pat Trimble (who once held the post) and councilwoman Barbara Wilhelm (married to a former mayor) know well the time that must be put in around-the-clock listening to nuisance complaints.

The third interested candidate Michael Sohonhee has been all but discounted as a likely choice. Perhaps because he said, “I think Dawson needs somebody who ain’t looking out for themselves,” then added “the people on my end of town need some things.” More likely though it’s because he doesn’t have a relative pulling for him.

This is how the vote went down the other night in Dawson. Trimble’s wife, councilwoman Cathy Trimble seconded a motion to name him mayor. She then cast one of the two votes in his favor. Wilhelm voted against him.

Then her niece nominated her. At least Wilhelm had the decency to abstain from voting for herself. But that decision cost her as she needed four votes to be christened the mayor and she only gained three.

One might think Dawson’s solicitor Richard Husband skipped this meeting. But alas he was on hand. We can’t help but wonder why at the very least Wilhelm and Cathy Trimble weren’t strongly advised not to participate. To further avoid the appearance of a familial coup, Wilhelm’s niece ought to have abstained.

Since no one won, the vacancy board will take a crack at it next Monday. But the same people who serve on council, serve on this board. We would suggest three of the members stay home.