Reading City Council unsure about new member to fill position on redevelopment authority | Reading Area

READING, Pa. – Reading City Council was unable to reach a consensus Monday night on filling an expired term on the Reading Redevelopment Authority.

At its Committee of the Whole meeting, council discussed the matter of filling the position held by Fred Thompson, who has also been serving as the authority chairman.

On March 24, council interviewed two candidates, Marisol Torres and JD Krafczek.

Torres has since notified council that she was withdrawing as a candidate.

Krafczek had once served as the city’s solicitor.

Some members of council, however, had concerns over his appointment because his primary residence is in the state of Florida, even though he currently owns several properties in Reading.

Councilmember Melissa Ventura said she could not support him because of his out-of-state residency.

“I just didn’t really care for the fact that he doesn’t live in the city, and even though he owns properties, and he comes once a month,” Ventura said. “I think presence is a big factor for me.”

Councilmembers Wesley Butler and Vanessa Campos said they both wanted to see Thompson reappointed for a new term.

Council President Donna Reed and Ventura said they would not support his reappointment, but did not elaborate.

Thompson’s term ended Dec. 31, but he continues to serve on the authority until an appointment or reappointment is made.

Reed said if four members of council would agree to his reappointment, his name would be on next week’s voting agenda, along with Krafczek.

“My hope would be, if for some reason, this won’t go through (Krafczek’s appointment), that we would continue to look and seek others who would be interested,” Reed said. “That’s my personal preference, but again, this is the will of the body.”

Councilmember Jaime Baez Jr. said he is not completely comfortable with either choice, and Councilmembers Chris Miller and Rafael Nunez said they were not prepared to express opinions Monday night.

Councilmembers noted that there has been instability on the redevelopment authority board and that it needs strong leadership.