Responsibilities of the Mayor | Borough of Jim Thorpe PA

Duties:

The prime responsibility of Mayor Michael J Sofranko is to direct the police department. The Borough code authorizes the mayor to preserve order, enforce ordinances and resolutions, remove nuisances, exact a faithful performance of the officers appointed, and perform such duties as assigned by law or ordinance. In preserving order, he or she directs the activities of the police department. The Mayor’s responsibility for ordinance enforcement is limited only to the power of directing the police. There are no provisions in the Borough Code authorizing the mayor to direct other borough employees except the police. Mayors in Pennsylvania may declare a local disaster subject to approval by Borough Council and may declare a state of emergency in situations involving mobs or riots.

Community leadership is an area where the mayor often serves a leading role in promoting community projects both in the public and private sectors. The legislative powers of the mayor are limited to conducting council reorganization meetings every two years, attending regular and special meetings of borough council and executive sessions of council held under the Sunshine Act. The mayor may participate in council discussions. Mayors may also veto ordinances. The mayor is required to make a monthly report to council relating to police activities and periodically updates council on the state of the borough. Mayors have not been able to vote in council since 1893. The only exception is the power to break ties to enable council to take action or request a special meeting of council be held to resolve the matter.

Wedding Officiate:

An often-overlooked duty of the mayor is the ability to conduct marriages, administer oaths and affirmations in matters relating to borough affairs. Pennsylvania State Law allows Mayors in Pennsylvania to officiate at weddings. The Mayor is available to officiate your wedding. Mayor Sofranko will perform weddings in the Borough Hall or at a place of your choosing as his schedule permits.
Please call (570) 325-4995 ext. 321 or email Mayor Sofranko.