A familiar face is returning to Jeannette municipal government as a retired city foreman was appointed Tuesday to fill a vacancy on council.

Rich Ault said he retired in 2023 after working for the city for 36 years.

“I just think with the amount of years I had there, I made good contacts … I worked hand in hand with contractors all the time, I think it’s a benefit,” he said.

Ault, 62, will serve until January 2028. He is registered as a Republican.

Jeannette received eight letters of interest in the open seat, according to city manager Ethan Keedy.

The vacancy was created after Michelle Langdon won two seats in November — mayor and a spot on council. She chose the mayor role, leaving her seat on council open. Ault was appointed in a unanimous vote.

“As a member of this council, I believe this is the most important decision we make,” Langdon said, adding that it was crucial to pick a candidate who would represent the entire community.

Keedy said the municipal experience Ault brings with him will be vital to get him acclimated to city goverment quickly.

“That made Rich kind of the shining star of the applicants that we did get,” Keedy said.

Ault started working for the city in the sanitation department and moved up the ranks, he said. He spent about 15 years as foreman leading the sanitation and public works departments.

Ault will be sworn in at a later date.

An election will be held for someone to fill out the remaining two years of the term. Ault said he plans to seek election to keep the post.

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