SMETHPORT — After much deliberation at Smethport Borough Council’s adjourned meeting Friday, Mayor Wayne Foltz was faced with the agonizing decisions to break two tied votes before Leo Church was appointed to the two-year term on council.

Church, who has served several terms on council through appointments, was one of four candidates who had written letters of interest in the appointment that will expire at the end of 2019. The others were “Fella” Wright, Jim Stein and Eve McAnallen. All except Church attended the meeting.

Prior to the voting, the applicants spoke about their qualifications and reasons for seeking the office. A former councilman, Wright said he’d like to return to the seven-member board to address some issues that he considered long overdue, such as no parking zones and making some streets one-way, which would make it easier for snow removal.

Though a quorum was in attendance, Wright was also concerned about only four of the seven councilmen present for such an important vote.

Stein, a Navy veteran who is a relative newcomer to the borough, pointed to his skills set that he would bring to council — experience with budgets and personnel. He added that he enjoys the small town atmosphere and wants to keep the town beautiful.

McAnallen is also a Navy veteran with almost 25 years of service. The owner and operator of a bed and breakfast on West Main Street, she is also a new borough resident, owning property here since 2012.

“I could bring an outside perspective to council and is back here full-time,” she said. Other concerns, she noted, were seeing ordinances being enforced, economic stability and some social issues.

At the same time, however, McAnallen still sees some “good things happening here.”

She described herself as “as a researcher, leader and speaker-upper.”

Wright, who realizes the borough relies heavily on its utility bills — the municipality owns its own electric company — pointed to the borough’s low tax rates that really generate a small amount of revenue.

Wright has operated his own business in Smethport for 48 years and advocates operating the borough as a business. He recommended seeking more grant money.

Candidates were asked about their views of taxes, which have remained unchanged for many years. While he was not wholly against minimal tax hikes, Stein said his approach to spending would be to prioritize requests and that any tax collections are within the residents’ ability to pay.

Saying all must live within their means, McAnallen advocates long-term planning.

When it came time to vote the first time, Stein received two “Yes” and two “No” votes.

Foltz was then faced with the difficult task of breaking the tie vote. “I don’t like making decisions quickly,” he said. After much deliberation and some questions for the candidates, he voted “No.” That led to a second vote.

This time, Church received two “Yes” and two “No” votes.

Again, Foltz was faced with casting the deciding vote. Again, his decision took some time. He voted in favor of Church. The mayor was one of several officials who credited Church’s willingness to seek election and serve on council.

During the questioning, the applicants were asked about their attendance at council meetings, which continue to be held at  7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month.

Councilman Jeff Tanner thanked all the applicants for their interest in seeking the position.

Council President Greg Rounsville was among those councilmen who urged the other applicants to seek election to council in 2019.