HONESDALE, PA — Council member James Jennings announced his resignation from the Honesdale Borough council, citing newfound employment that would present a conflict of interest. 

Jennings, who goes by Jim, has served on the council since October 2017. He is resigning from the position after accepting a role as senior director of audience development and growth at WVIA. 

“It’s been an honor to serve on the council, and I’m proud of the tremendous effort we’ve all put in to help move the borough forward,” Jennings wrote in a statement. “I look forward to the opening of the Honesdale Pool, the ribbon-cuttings at the new dog park and Central Park stage, upgraded stormwater infrastructure, new river accesses and historic trails, and a revitalized and safer Main Street experience.” 

Jennings was chair of the borough’s economic and revitalization committee, the parks and recreation committee and the stormwater committee, where he put in significant effort addressing flooding and drainage issues in critical areas, including the Crestmont Development, on Forest Street and near Maple Avenue. He was also vice chair of the grants committee and the personnel committee.

In a Facebook post supporting his 2019 bid for council, future fellow council member James Hamill noted that Jennings was also integral in keeping the Honesdale Area Pool running, the installation of an electric vehicle charger in town and has been a “champion of the park system.” 

“As long as I’ve known him he’s been the voice of reason,” Hamill’s post read.

The borough is accepting applications to fill Jennings’ vacant seat until 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 13. Applicants must be a resident of the borough, and are required to submit a letter of interest and a resumé and to appear at the next borough council meeting, Tuesday, April 18 at 6 p.m. to answer questions from the council. Resumés can be delivered to the borough hall weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., faxed to 570/362-5968 or emailed to hdleboro@ptd.net. 

Jennings’ resignation comes after a few switch-ups on the council. At its February meeting, a majority of the council voted to remove James Hamill as president, replacing him with Mike Augello. In January, the council filled a vacant seat with Honesdale High School teacher Eric Cooley.

Jennings’ resignation opens up another opportunity for more diversity on the all-male council. Earlier in the year, two women applied for council alongside Cooley. The voting process stirred some criticism from other applicants and council members, who said it was “slanted” and not particularly thorough. It remains to be seen whether the council will address those concerns by changing the process this go-around.