HONESDALE, PA — Kim Fisch, a local real estate professional, has been chosen by the Honesdale Borough Council to fill a vacancy in its ranks.

Fisch has lived in Honesdale for over 40 years, and works in real estate with Davis R. Chant Realtors. She has previously served as the president of the Greater Honesdale Partnership, a group working to promote and transform the greater Honesdale area, and is currently on that organization’s board.

Speaking with the borough council on January 13, Fisch said the borough’s greatest challenges are the need for transparency and common sense.

“We’re making great strides, and I just want Honesdale to be forward thinking and transparent,” Fisch said.

The council appointed Fisch in a five-to-one vote. Council president James Brennan, the only dissenting voice, had previously attempted to nominate one of the other candidates, James Cordaro.

Fisch fills a vacancy left by former borough councilor David Nilsen, who left the council in December to take his new position as the director of the Honesdale Department of Public Works.

Six candidates in total applied for Nilsen’s vacant seat. Two withdrew their letters of intent before the January 13 meeting at which the council made its decision, and one additional candidate did not show up to the meeting.

Fisch, Joseph Mele and Cordaro, the remaining three candidates, all made their cases before the council.

Mele had moved to Honesdale four years ago to be closer to his daughters. He had since gotten involved in volunteering with the community, including with the Cooperage. He said moving up to Honesdale from the city of Philadelphia had been a “transition” for him and his wife, “but we really took hold of it and we really like it.”

Cordaro had moved back to Honesdale around a year ago after spending over 40 years in Los Angeles. His father, Phillip Cordaro, had owned Cordaro’s Restaurant. “I’m coming back to my community to assist in any way I can,” said Cordaro, highlighting his experience on neighborhood boards, chambers of commerce and more from when he lived in California.

While only one candidate was chosen, councilor James Hamill said he appreciated the fact that the borough had so many candidates from which to choose. He suggested the candidates not selected consider running for office in the upcoming elections, or consider serving on a committee.  

“There’s four four-year terms on the ballot this year,” Hamill said.