Zelienople’s new junior council member takes oath
ZELIENOPLE — Sam Keefer, a junior at Seneca Valley High School and a lifelong resident of Zelienople, took his oath of office as junior council member at Monday’s borough council meeting.
Keefer said the appointment was an opportunity for him to learn more about local government.
“I’ve never known what goes on here, so I’m excited to see how everything works,” said Keefer.
If he stays in Zelienople in the future, Keefer said he would like to continue serving on council.
Council member Spencer Mathew started his local government journey as a junior council person in Zelienople, marking him as the first in the borough to make the transition into an official council member.
“At an early age, not many people want to get involved in local politics or even their community,” said Mathew. “I think (local government) is something the younger you get into it, the more you realize how much goes into it, and it makes you appreciate the decisions a lot more.”
James Miller, the borough’s chief of police, said the junior role is a valuable addition to the member’s resume going into college.
Council benefits from the position as well, according to Mayor Thomas Oliverio, who said that while the position does not come with the power to vote on governing matters, it brings a younger, student perspective to an otherwise older group of officials.
Among Keefer’s new fellow council members is his mother, Karen Lyle, who was appointed in October. For Lyle, it’s a matter of perspective.
Until Lyle joined, she said she was unaware of how much was going on behind the scenes. She said the junior position presents Keefer with an opportunity to gain valuable perspective, while offering his own views as a younger member.
Keefer, who was first welcomed by council on April 13, also plays soccer for Seneca Valley’s varsity team.
Previously, Kyra Fazio served in the position for two years.
