Hawley's mayor not seeking second term; fire chief, public works director files to run
Hawley Mayor John Nichols announced March 3 in his private Facebook group, The Mayor's Corner, that he decided not to run again this year after serving one term.
Scott Mead, who is the Hawley fire chief and borough public works director, has thrown his proverbial hat in the ring and is the only candidate for mayor in the spring primary, according to the unofficial candidate list released by the Wayne County Bureau of Elections. He is seeking the Republican nomination. His wife Rebecca Mead serves as a council member.
"Nearing 70 years old, yes, I've had some medical issues, and I don't suspect that life will get any easier in that regard going forward," Nichols said in a statement emailed to the newspaper. "I have been blessed, beyond measure, being able to retire early, to return home to the hometown I love so much after almost 40 years and buying the house I grew up in as it came up for sale just as I was looking to return 'home' to retire. I've thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be Mayor of Hawley and gotten to know some really great people here."
Nichols added, "I will, if requested and able, be more than happy to assist with Hawley's major upcoming events such as Lake Wallenpaupack's 100th anniversary in 2026, and Hawley's Bicentennial in 2027."
From 2023: Mayor Nichols calls for planning, funding for Hawley bicentennial in 2027
As of Monday morning, March 24, Mead had not responded to invitations sent by email on March 13 and 14 to comment on his mayoral aspiration.
Three council seats are on the ballot in 2025.
Ann Monaghan, a Democrat and current council president, filed to run.
Republicans Rebecca Mead and Michele Rojas, both currently on council, filed to run.
March 11 was the deadline for candidates to file. Primary elections will be held on May 20. The voter registration deadline is May 5.
Peter Becker has worked at the Tri-County Independent or its predecessor publications since 1994. Reach him at pbecker@tricountyindependent.com or 570-253-3055 ext. 1588.
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Who are the mayor, borough council primary candidates in Hawley?
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