Plum officials appoint new council president, vice president

Plum Council has new leadership.

Dave Odom and Dave Vento were unanimously appointed president and vice president, respectively, at a reorganization meeting Jan. 6.

Their nominations were made by former council president, Mike Doyle.

Odom is in the third year of his first term on council.

“I’m extremely excited to lead a unified council into 2020, and will be focused on improving communication and continuing to ensure we are providing exceptional quality of life for the residents of Plum,” Odom said.

Vento, a former councilman, was elected in November along with political newcomers Ryan Delaney and Daniel Hadley.

The three were sworn in by District Judge Linda Zucco.

Council also approved keeping all current administrators, as well as Bruce Dice as solicitor and Robert Mitall as engineer.

Vento believes his colleagues made the right decisions.

“Dave Odom’s been there awhile now, and it was the right move to make him president,” Vento said. “I’m happy for him and the council. (Delaney and Hadley) have to get their feet on the ground and get into the actual work on council. Nobody likes to make big moves when they get in. There’s no desire to change the status quo, at least with the professionals that we have.”

Vento pledged the elected officials will be more personable with their constituents.

“I think we’re going to try and communicate with people more directly,” he said.

Council has the option to reopen this year’s budget because of the municipal elections in November.

Council adopted its 2020 spending plan last month with no tax increase or cuts in service. The current tax rate is 4.78 mills.

“There are no intentions to change any existing budget or fiscal spending plans, beyond what the recently implemented Storm Water Task Force may recommend in the future to council,” Odom said.

Council workshop meetings are the first Monday of the month, and voting sessions the second Monday of the month. Both are scheduled for 7 p.m. at the borough building, 4575 New Texas Road.