McADOO - It appears McAdoo may be heading toward a smaller council.
Two weeks ago, McAdoo resident Ron Simasek suggested that council downsize from seven members to five to save some money.
Mayor Dane Watro took that a step further at Tuesday's council meeting by starting a petition to reduce the size of council.
The reaction from council was favorable, as all seven members signed the petition as it was passed around at the meeting.
Simasek thanked the mayor for starting the petition, but also cautioned him that a similar effort 10 years ago was unsuccessful.
Simasek's father, Anthony Simasek, and another man, Joe Balas, tried to reduce the size of council but it failed.
"It was shot down because of the politics in town at the time," Ron Simasek said. He did not elaborate.
Watro noted that three other communities - Gilberton, Tremont and Ringtown - have recently reduced the size of their governing bodies.
"You save the cost of two council salaries and there is better representation for the people," Watro said after the meeting.
Ron Simasek agreed, saying, "A smaller council could get more things done."
Councilman William Slovik said "there will also be more accountability."
Watro noted that 5 percent of the more than 1,300 registered voters in McAdoo must petition the court to eliminate two seats on council. One member of council would be phased out in election year 2013; instead of three members being elected, voters will choose only two. That process would be repeated in 2015, when council would be officially reduced to a five-member group.
A number of council members are joining Watro in a drive for more signatures. When the goal is reached, the petition will move to Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas, and a county judge will rule on the request.
"I think it's a great idea," resident Michele Barnhart said after the meeting.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Ron Simasek urged council to try to return the Schuylkill County recycling program to the borough.
He also asked council to put pressure on state representatives and other politicians for money to fix sidewalks and tear down dilapidated buildings and homes. He believes council should urge code enforcement measures to get residents to fix and repair sidewalks in the spring.
Ron Simasek would also like to see the borough tax the church properties in McAdoo where worship services are no longer held.
In other business, Councilwoman Mary Labert noted that the Schuylkill County Board of Commissioners will take its meetings on the road for the summer. Labert will suggest two dates - July 11 or July 25 - for a possible meeting in McAdoo.