Longtime Clarks Green councilman won't seek fourth term

Christine Lee, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
·3 min read

Mar. 19—It started with a request to the Clarks Green Borough Council.

Keith Williams, who uses a motorized wheelchair, wrote to the governing body in the early 1990s asking for a ramp at the Municipal Building. It was installed in the mid-'90s.

In 2011, the lifelong Clarks Green resident decided to run for a council seat. Twelve years later, the 62-year-old said he won't seek a fourth term, wishing instead to give younger people a chance to serve.

"Every community needs new blood," Williams said. "I figured I did three terms, I loved doing it, but it's time for new blood to take the reins."

During his tenure, Williams, a Democrat, served as council president, vice president and on various council committees. He is particularly proud of his work on the personnel committee, which enacted policies he said promoted fairness for employees, including the passage of an anti-nepotism policy.

"It's good for the community and employees," he said.

In addition, council members haven't raised taxes, something Williams credits to careful spending and an effective finance committee.

Williams was on the council when Clarks Green marked its centennial in 2014, a celebration that included festivities and a walking tour of historic homes. The borough has also seen changes during his tenure, including hiring a borough manager, the razing of the former Hawk Oil Co. gas station on North Abington Road, and Central Park Flowers moving into a former CVS on South Abington Road.

Serving on the council, he said, has been a great experience, working with people who are knowledgeable and talented in different areas.

"You wind up with some pretty favorable results," Williams said. "I learned a lot."

He acknowledged the council's disagreements over the years, which he said are healthy. He noted that borough employees excel at day-to-day operations.

"We have a wonderful group of employees," Williams said. "They keep the borough running smoothly."

He plans to stay active with the borough as a volunteer and continue his work advocating for people with disabilities as manager of independent living services at the Center for Independent Living in Scranton.

Having younger people on the council provides different views on various topics, Williams said, encouraging those thinking about serving their communities to run for office. He pointed to newly appointed Councilman Terrence Nealon Jr. and Ashley DeFelice, who plans to run for council in the May primary election, as examples.

"Young families have some great perspectives," he said.

Those who have served with Williams over the years praised his leadership.

Former Councilwoman Lynne Earley, who was council vice president while Williams was president, said he ran open, transparent and welcoming meetings.

"All opinions were respected as he did his best to build consensus," she said.

Mayor Joe Barrasse credits Williams with urging him to run for council in 2013. He said the councilman worked with all kinds of people and tried to help everyone.

Council President David Rinaldi, who began his tenure on the council not long after Williams took office in 2012, said his service has been valuable.

"His perspectives have helped us with ... every issue we have had to confront," he said. "I feel that I was fortunate to be able to serve with him, to have him as a friend, and wish him success going forward."

Contact the writer:

clee@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5365;

@Cleespot on Twitter.