Milford Borough Council names Doug Jacobs mayor

On January 6, the Milford Borough Council proceeded with the process of selecting a new mayor in the wake of Sean Strub’s resignation. In accordance with the borough code, the council heard from three candidates, who were allotted three minutes to provide their accolades and address the council on their reasons for wanting the job of mayor. Former district attorney Doug Jacobs, alternate council member and vice president of the Rotary Club Candace Mahala, and local resident and businessman Derek Ricciardi presented their speeches during the first half of the meeting. All three candidates came with impressive resumes, with the council choosing Candace Mahala and Doug Jacobs as their nominees.

Both candidates were firm in their beliefs that Milford police should remain within the borough, as opposed to seeking an outside police force, as well as pedestrian safety that has plagued the town in recent months. After several public comments were made by various members of the community in support of both candidates, the nominees were voted on. Three members backed Mahala and the other three voted for Jacobs. This led to a final tie-breaking vote cast by interim Mayor Joseph Dooley, who stated that since the most pressing and important factor of the mayoral position was working with the Milford Police Department, he cast his vote for Jacobs.

The new mayor was sworn in and resided over the remainder of the meeting. There will be a mayoral race at the end of this year where members of the borough can either re-elect Mayor Jacobs or cast a vote for another candidate. Candace Mahala has stated that she will seek to run in that election.

Upcoming events

The Walk, Run, Roll Spring 5k, being organized by Progressive Rehab, was approved. It had previously been tabled as there were some concerns about whether streets would need to be closed. However, the 5k will be taking place along the sidewalks of Milford as opposed to the roads. The event will take place on April 26, 2025.

There will also be a chili and mac and cheese cook off at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on February 2, 2025. All are welcome to attend.

The second annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be taking place on March 16, 2025. With the success of last year’s parade, the council was happy to approve it. The event will start at 2 p.m. at Ann Street and finish at St. Patrick’s, although the route may change.

Street safety

PennDOT will be proceeding with a multi-traffic stop sign investigation on High Street and Seventh Street, with hopes of completing the investigation by the end of the month, in an effort to better understand and regulate car passenger and pedestrian safety.