Lockport, N.Y. (WBEN) - Lockport's Common Council have lost two of their Alderwomen this week and as a result, combined with some reported illness, failed to meet quorum to vote on agenda items for the council's scheduled business meeting on Wednesday.
According to a press release from Mayor Michelle Roman's office, Gina N. Pasceri, the Alderwoman-At-Large, resigned from her duties via a letter in the mayor's mailbox effective Monday, January 9th of 2023.
"I appreciate her willingness to run for office and work on behalf of the residents over the last year. Although I am disappointed that Alderwoman-at-Large Pasceri has chosen to quit her position without discussion or notice, I am committed to facilitating the continued functioning of our City government. I hope to have a qualified replacement within the next few weeks," Mayor Roman wrote in the release.
The following day, Tuesday, January 10th, Fifth Ward Alderwoman Kristin Barnard quit her post and citing 'personal' reasons for her resignation.
"Although Alderwoman Barnard served for only about one year, I am proud of the achievements we made together," Mayor Michelle Roman wrote in a subsequent press release. "As the City is unfortunately losing two Alderwomen in one week, it is my obligation as Mayor to continue to ensure that our government functions and works for the people of our City. I will be conducting interviews for both of these positions. I promise to work with any person that will put our people before politics. It is imperative that we appoint two Aldermen as soon as possible so that the operation of the City government is not interrupted."
The final straw that may have prompted the resignations may have been the result of a very long and lengthy discussion on the Lockport ambulance vote that occurred in December. Where both Alderwoman Barnard and Pasceri voted against the resolution reinstate ambulance service by Lockport Fire Department. Alderwoman Kathryn "Kitty" Fogle abstained and the other three councilmen voted in favor, leaving the Mayor to break the tie with her vote of 'yes.'
These resignations threw a wrench into the regular operations of the council, as only three council members were in attendance during the Wednesday meeting, which failed to make quorum so the council could vote on agenda items.
According to reports, Mayor Michelle Roman and Alderwoman Fogle cited illness and didn't physically attend the meeting that Wednesday.
Mayor Michelle Roman adds in a release, "I will conduct interviews of any interested candidate that values the progress of our City more than their political affiliation."
