Published: June 11, 2009 12:00 am      

New councilman named

Johnstown City Council’s newest member knows a thing or two about public safety.

Francis Kiefer Jr., who worked for two decades as a city police officer, was appointed Wednesday to fill a council vacancy created when Al Reynolds resigned in April.

“It’s just about trying to take care of the public’s needs,” Kiefer said late Wednesday after he was sworn in by Mayor Tom Trigona at the Union Social Club, 57 Clinton St.

Kiefer knows his time on council will be relatively short.

Reynolds’ term will expire at year’s end, and Kiefer will not be among the council candidates on November’s ballot – meaning he will serve less than seven months before someone else takes over.

But the 53-year-old Republican and West End resident is well aware of the city’s perennial financial struggles and hopes to make a difference during his tenure.

“Hopefully, we can maybe turn some things around,” he said.

He lists street improvements and public safety among his priorities. Kiefer served with the city department’s K-9 division and retired in January with the rank of sergeant.

He currently works as a part-time deputy for the Cambria County sheriff’s department.

Kiefer was one of seven people who applied to fill the council vacancy. On Wednesday, the eight remaining board members pared the field to two: Kiefer and Moxham resident Janice Forosisky.

In the end, Kiefer received five votes and Forosisky garnered three.

In his application letter to council, Kiefer wrote that he could “provide the insight and professional experience regarding the ongoing public safety concerns facing all city residents, city businesses and visitors.”

Councilman Anthony “Red” Pinizzotto, who chairs the governing body’s personnel committee, said Kiefer is the right man for the job.

“If anybody knows the neighborhoods, he would,” Pinizzotto said.