Richard D'Loss, who was elected to a borough council seat last week, assumed his job early because of the recent resignation of Vera Freshwater, a council member since January 2006.

In her resignation letter, accepted Nov. 2 by Carnegie council, Ms. Freshwater cited personal reasons, including the illness of a family member, for her decision to step down. She did not seek a second term.

An advocate of renaissance, Mr. D'Loss believes Carnegie must have its own grocery store and make use of large empty properties, such as the old Main Hotel and the former North Star Chevrolet site.

"I don't think commercial property owners should tolerate sitting on properties," said Mr. D'Loss, who was appointed Monday to council.

Mr. D'Loss, 51, of Rowland Avenue, is a self-employed consultant who provides training to customers in the aviation industry. He previously worked for US Airways for 25 years.

Though he has been involved with community projects, this is Mr. D'Loss' first term of elected office.

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