HONESDALE BOROUGH, PA — The Honesdale Borough Council decided to choose James Cordaro to fill a vacancy on its seven-person board, which had a divided vote accompanied by discussion of the council's dysfunctions. 

Cordaro told the council he used to live in Honesdale before moving out to California to start his business, and that he moved back to the area one year ago. "I would be more than willing to participate in the community once again," said Cordaro. 

The borough council split three-two in appointing Cordaro, with James Brennan, William McAllister and Jason Newbon voting in favor and James Hamill and Tiffany Rogers voting against. Kim Fish, the council's sixth member, was absent from the meeting. 

Hamill questioned Cordaro's appointment, claiming that the council already has several members who have "strong-headedness" or are "easy-to-temper." He questioned Cordaro's own temperament, and wondered if by adding another such member to its ranks, the council would be adding additional divisiveness. 

"It just smacks of the same old dumb," said Hamill. 

"Well, you're part of it now," responded Brennan. "You're including yourself as part of it."

The borough council seat became available upon the resignation of Noelle Mundy. It's the second such replacement in 2025, as in January, local realtor Kim Fisch was appointed to replace David Nilsen, who resigned to take a position as the borough's director of public works. 

Three other individuals applied for the position: Larissa Llewellyn, Joseph Mele and Patrick Resti. 

In making his winning pitch, Cordaro emphasized his experience with community organizations in California, including as president of a neighborhood council and with the local chamber and rotary.

Speaking before the vote, McAllister said, "I have been duly impressed by the fact that this council had four—four—very well qualified individuals. And that makes it that much harder on the group to make this decision on what direction to go.