PHOTO GALLERY: Stafford Reorganizes, Prepares for Challenging Year Ahead

Last night's Stafford Township reorganization meeting was similar to others throughout the county, with smiles and well wishes for the new members from friends and family members, but this meeting differed from others somewhat, in that all of the newly-sworn in Council members acknowledged they have a difficult year ahead.

"Stafford has gone through the worst storm we've ever experienced in our history," Mayor John Spodofora said to the meeting attendees, shortly after taking his oath of office. "There are still people without homes … we are in for a rough year ahead." 

Several Council members echoed those comments, while also thanking the voters for their election. which  included Mayoral Challenger Paul Marchal, David Taylor, incumbent Joanne Sitek, Christopher McManus, Esther Libenschek, Ben Pieper, and Brian Corley White for Council.

After taking his oath of office during the Council comments portion of the meeting, Robert Kusznikow said: "We have difficult days ahead of us." He added that he was proud of the response of the community, adding "I know this Council is going to move together in a positive way."

Henry Mancini, who was sworn in as Council President last night, said: "We are facing a tough year, and it is is going to be important for all of us to work together and meet this challenges head on." 

Sharon McKenna noted: "It is important that we have a strong ties with federal governmentt, because we're dealing with that now with this storm."

Lori Wyrsch also acknowledged businesses in town that have been affected, adding that she hopes to work with them to meet the "challenges ahead."

Several residents in town praised the new Council members, and thanked the town Council members and township workers for their efforts since Sandy.