Politics & Government

Want to Spend Six Months on City Council?

Councilman Mike Fleck will step down earlier than expected, so Easton needs a West Ward Democrat to fill his seat.

Easton City Councilman Mike Fleck will leave office earlier than expected, meaning the city will need someone to fill his seat for a few months.

That's according to WFMZ, which reports Fleck has moved the date of his resignation to mid-July, as he and his family prepare a move to Allentown.

Fleck, a West Ward resident, announced earlier this year that he wasn't seeking re-election. Two candidates—Republican Kim Yedlosky and Democrat Jim Eddinger—will compete for Fleck's seat in November's election.

Find out what's happening in Eastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Now, the city needs someone to fill Fleck's spot until the winner of that race takes office in January 2014.

Mayor Sal Panto said that person needs to be a Democrat and from the West Ward, but typically the city hasn't appointed people who are already candidates to fill vacancies, the Express-Times reported.

Find out what's happening in Eastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Fleck announced he wouldn't seek re-election in January because he wants to spend more time with his family and build his consulting business.

At the time, he said he thinks his work as a consultant could help bring development into the city.

"We have clients who I think would be a great fit for Easton," he said in an interview with Easton Patch then, but added that his position on council would make them working in the city impossible. 

"I also don't want to short-change the city," he added, by not being able to devote as much time to his council seat.

Fleck lists the passage of the city's same sex partnership benefits ordinance and the creation of the Easton amusement tax among his biggest accomplishments.


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