North Franklin appoints new supervisor
North Franklin Township supervisors appointed a new board member Tuesday to fill a vacancy created by the death of Joshua Polan earlier this month.
Polan, 42, died Sept. 6 as a result of complications from muscular dystrophy, according to board Chairman Bob Sabot.
Filling the position will be 25-year-old Benjamin Johnson, who will also be the sole candidate on the ballot Nov. 7 to carry out the remaining four years of Polan’s six-year term.
Johnson will appear on the ballot as a Republican. The Democratic Party did not put forth a candidate.
Despite the election being less than two months away, Sabot said they had an obligation to fill the seat immediately.
“By second-class township code, the supervisors had no choice. We had to make an appointment within 30 days of Mr. Polan’s death,” Sabot said.
The township advertised the opening, and Johnson was the only person who applied.
“We had a second individual’s application come in, but it was four days late from the deadline,” Sabot said.
Johnson was born and raised in North Franklin. He said he has always tried to get involved, and began volunteering as a junior firefighter at age 16.
“I just always wanted to make a difference in the community. That was the main driving force, moving the community in a better direction,” Johnson said.
Sabot said he and fellow Supervisor Mike Quinn were impressed with Johnson, particularly considering his age.
“It’s a generational change for the board of supervisors. It’s time to pass the torch to someone younger,” Sabot said.
Though enthusiastic about Johnson, Sabot expressed disappointment that his was the only application received.
“People don’t want to step up. That’s a big problem. We give Ben a lot of credit for doing that,” Sabot said.