New Kensington Council on Monday appointed Randi Shank as the city’s controller.

The move is part of a chain reaction of sorts in the city’s government: Shank, 66, takes over the position from John Zavadak.

Zavadak was New Kensington’s controller for nearly 24 years and, on June 2, was appointed interim city clerk following the retirement of Dennis Scarpiniti.

Shank’s appointment will run until the end of this year. He said he plans to run for the position in the general election this November.

The position is unpaid.

Shank sits on the city’s planning commission and is a volunteer firefighter. He was a candidate in this spring’s Democratic council primary but did not earn enough votes to advance to the general election.

“This allows me to get involved and still help the city out,” Shank said. “I think all positions are important as the next.

“I’m happy to be on board.”

Shank said the controller position is similar to an auditor. He was Lower Burrell’s controller from 1992 to 1996.

Mayor Tom Guzzo and Councilmen Todd Mentecki, Tim DiMaio and Corey Pistininzi voted to appoint Shank. Dante Cicconi was absent.

“Randi has been a public servant for quite a while,” Guzzo said. “He gives back to the community.”

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