Hahn Named State College Council President; Grine Swears in New Members

Don Hahn is the new president of State College Borough Council.

On a nomination from outgoing council President Ron Filippelli, council members voted 7-0 Tuesday afternoon to appoint Hahn to the leadership role.

Council presidents typically hold the position for two years, presiding at public council work sessions and playing a key role in the development of council agendas and priorities.

Hahn, a Centre County native, is six years into an eight-year tenure on the council. He earlier served as a council member from 1996 to 1999, but has never before been the president. He's now one of the senior-most council members.

"I fully expect that, as president, I'll be more of a servant to council than a leader," Hahn said in an interview after his appointment.

He expects discussions about student-housing regulations, the neighborhood land trust and a public-works service-facility overhaul to be among council's key immediate priorities, he said.

"I think, at a time like this, it's really important to recognize the merits -- what we have that's positive, which can be a very long list," said Hahn, an attorney.

Earlier, in prepared remarks, he made another reference to the ongoing controversies at Penn State and the sexual-abuse and cover-up allegations there. He called on the local community to remember that Penn State "is fundamentally in the business of educating young people.

"That is a job that it has done very well," said Hahn, who also is a Penn State alumnus.

He said State College should show itself off in 2012 and work in concert with Penn State "to recover with a renewed focus on what is important."

Among the council members who voted Hahn into the presidency Tuesday afternoon are Cathy Dauler and Sarah Klinetob, both elected in November. They were sworn into their council positions just moments earlier by newly seated Centre County Judge Jonathan Grine. (For photos from the Tuesday proceedings, click on the large image above; that will launch a photo gallery.)

Dauler and Klinetob replaced Theresa Lafer and Silvi Lawrence on Borough Council. Grine also administered the oath of office Tuesday for Peter Morris and Jim Rosenberger, both reelected to their council seats in November.

Dauler, who served two earlier terms as a council member, has been away from elected office for the past four years. She said her "first priority is to get back into learning the details of the issues that are in front of council.

"I've paid attention to it, but I don't know all the details," Dauler said.

She expects addressing inclusionary-housing issues will be high on council's to-do list this year. She also hopes the council will look anew at a revitalization plan for the West End, Dauler said.

"As the economy is improving, I still think it would be good to revisit some kind of West End improvement plan," she said.

Klinetob said that she, too, is looking to orient herself immediately. The borough will host an orientation session Saturday for the new council members, she said.

"I like hearing and listening to as much as possible" in the decision-making process, Klinetob said. Collaboration, she said, is a prime priority for her.

"I hope I don't come off as too quiet or too timid," Klinetob said. "I'm learning and and listening as much as I can" before taking firm stances on issues.