Mixed opinions arise as Easton officials discuss removing mayor from city council [Video]

Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. was initially on board when Councilman Frank Pintabone proposed reopening the Home Rule Charter, which would remove the mayor of Easton from council.

Now, he believes having the mayor on council has worked for the past 17 years, and questioned the need to change what is working well.

In Pennsylvania, Home Rule is a form of local government structure that allows municipalities to draft their own local constitution. This charter defines the organization, powers, functions and procedures of the local government. Home rule municipalities can tailor their laws and policies to serve local needs within the bounds of state and federal law.

Easton voters in November 2007 approved the city’s Home Rule Charter. It made the mayor a voting member of a city council expanded from five to seven members. Panto said the main reason why the city did this was for economic reasons.

Other council members have expressed their opinions on the matter since Pintabone introduced it.

Panto said local governments …