Joe Kern is back on Springdale Council.
The general contractor had previously served two years on council before losing the seat in last year’s election.
The election saw four, four-year seats and one, two-year seat on the ballot. Michael Ziencik, who claimed victory in both races, opted to take the four-year seat, leaving council to fill the vacant two-year seat.
Despite often bitter debates surrounding a recent data center proposal in the borough, Manager Terry Carcella confirmed Kern was the only resident to submit a letter of interest for the position.
Kern, who voted to approve the conditional use application for the center, said he felt it was his civic duty to continue his work, though he said the position can often be “thankless.”
“If the (data center) is going to come, I think I’d be a good pick to make sure everything is above board,” he said.
Aside from the center, Kern said he’d focus on organizing community activities, such as movie nights at the borough gymnasium and parades.
He said he’d also like to figure out a future for Veterans Memorial Field, which has sat vacant since 2023, and form better relationships with Allegheny Valley School District officials.
“I spent my first two years on council learning the ropes,” Kern said. “I feel like with that experience under my belt, we can update this community and bring us to the next level.”
According to Carcella, Kern was dedicated to his work and will serve as a “good addition” to council.
