SHARON Second death strikes city government

Council will repeat the interview and selection process for George Gulla's seat.
SHARON, Pa. -- The death of a second city councilman will delay the search for a successor for the late Lou Rotunno.
George Gulla, 69, a six-year veteran of council, died Saturday at his Edgewood Road home after a long illness.
Gulla had been unable to physically attend city council meetings in recent weeks but was able to monitor sessions through a live telephone hookup to his home.
Council was to conduct interviews at 5 p.m. today in its search for a successor to Rotunno, who was re-elected to a four-year term in the November primary but died Nov. 18 before he could be sworn into office again.
Fred Hoffman, council president, said tonight's interview session for the 20 people who applied for the post has been postponed until 5 p.m. Monday because calling hours for Gulla are from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at McGonigle Funeral Home.
Announcement postponed
Council had been expected to announce Rotunno's successor at its regular meeting Thursday, but Hoffman said a special meeting will be scheduled for 4 or 5 p.m. next Tuesday to make that appointment.
He said council won't attempt to fill both Rotunno's and Gulla's positions at the same time.
Council will go through the selection process again for Gulla's post, he said.
There are two years remaining in Gulla's term and an appointment would be for the full two years.
Although Rotunno was elected to a four-year term, his appointed successor will serve only two years.
Pennsylvania election law allows an appointment only until the next municipal election.