By Jane Smith

The recent deaths of two elected officials have meant their positions were filled by appointment.

As expected, Democrat Rosemarie Martinez Groves — wife of Meadville city finance director Tim Groves — was appointed to succeed the late Richard Stephenson as city controller. Reports are council members believe that was only fair given the fact Groves had put her name on the ballot for the position last year. She was narrowly defeated by Stephenson, a Republican, in that race.

At the state level, the death of Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll means that state Sen. President Pro Tempore Joseph B. Scarnetti III assumes the position (according to the constitution). That creates a unique situation as he is a Republican, and of course, Gov. Ed Rendell, is a Democrat.

That could make for some interesting discussions.

Baker Knoll was a frequent visitor to Crawford County during her two terms as state treasurer and her first term as lieutenant governor. The last time she was here she toured Conneaut Lake Park.

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Speaking of Rendell, he denied any intention of assuming a position with the Barack Obama administration. He said he believes public officials have an “implied contract” with the citizens that, when elected, they should complete their terms and not resign to accept another position.

Rendell said that once his term is complete (in three years), if he is then offered a position by Obama, he would consider it.

At the same time, he clarified his position, noting that when Gov. Tom Ridge resigned to become Secretary of Homeland Security, that was an exception as it was a “higher calling,” and the citizens of Pennsylvania understood Ridge’s decision.

The fact is that should Rendell accept a position now, and resign as governor, a Republican would become the new governor. That would make it even more difficult for Rendell to consider resigning.

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At a recent meeting of West Mead Township supervisors, one supervisor noted the recent election was “long and hard.” To which, Democrat Dan Durst, replied with a grin, “In eight years, you can vote to change,” referring to the presumption that Obama will want to serve two terms.

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Talking about the presidential election, Crawford County’s vote tally for president was interesting when compared with that of 2004.