Leetsdale council has a vacancy

Leetsdale councilwoman Patricia Lee has resigned.

The former council president tendered her resignation effective this month.

Council unanimously voted to accept it and advertise the vacancy Sept. 12.

Its remaining members commended Lee for her service to the borough.

“She did a great job,” vice president Osman Awad said.

Lee was elected to her first four-year term in the November 2021 election. She served as council president in 2022 and part of 2023.

She was a part of Leetsdale’s steering committee, planning the Sewickley Community Juneteenth Celebration and was on the Sewickley Community Center board for 10 years.

The Quaker Valley grad and longtime borough resident is a mother of three and worked as a human resource professional for more than 20 years.

Lee cited “personal and professional circumstances” in her resignation letter as reasons to step down.

Council president Maria Napolitano said Lee’s departure is a big loss.

“I’m always sorry to see people resign from this position,” she said. “It is a demanding position. You have to be there. You have take care of a lot. You have to get stuff done and always listen to people’s concerns and be very responsive.

“It’s a volunteer job. It’s not for everybody at every stage of their lives. This is totally understandable. I liked working with Patricia.”

Napolitano said Lee was instrumental in the borough’s open house in 2022 and numerous other initiatives.

The former councilwoman said in an email to TribLive the open house was a major highlight of her political career.

“It was a great event that truly brought everyone together,” Lee wrote. “I also take pride in inviting the community to the council’s inaugural strategic planning meeting, where residents had the opportunity to learn about local government, and observe the council committees, the mayor, (public works department) and the police department as they developed goals and plans for the borough’s future.

I am very thankful to the Leetsdale community for electing me into office. I am thankful for the opportunity to make a positive impact, influence change, and contribute to the stability and future growth of the borough.”

Lee’s term expires at the end of next year.

Resumes and letters of interest for the vacancy are being accepted at the borough office, 373 Beaver Street.

Council plans to appoint a new member Oct. 10.

“I want to see somebody who fits on the team and (does) stuff. (Who wants) to work with us,” Awad said about the potential next council member.

Napolitano echoed those comments.

“The most important thing would be to have somebody involved in the community,” she said. “It would be great if the person could bring a skill to the table; writing, event organizing. We will be looking for an active member.”