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Irwin residents have elected a mayor and council by a ward voting system for 142 years. Soon, that could change to at-large voting.

Solicitor Alan K. Berk informed council last week that an independent three-attorney committee appointed by Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Daniel Ackerman gave the borough's petition to abolish the ward system a "positive recommendation."

Last Friday, Judge Ackerman considered the committee's recommendation and issued a temporary decree in support. There were no exceptions or objections presented.

The judge's action ordered the borough to advertise the decree to give residents the opportunity to contest it.

If there are no objections, the judge would sign a final order which would dissolve the ward system. That action could be appealed to Commonwealth Court.

Without such an appeal, at-large voting would begin with the 2007 election, according to Mr. Berk.

If there are objections by residents, they must be filed in the prothonotary's office at the courthouse in Greensburg within 30 days. Copies of the judge's decree are available at the borough office on Main Street.

If an objection is filed, Judge Ackerman would determine its merit and whether to schedule a hearing.

"Voting at-large is something I've wanted for a long time. It looks like it will go through; I hope you're as excited as I am because this is progress," Mayor Daniel T. Rose told council.

Council President Danyce Neal and former Councilwoman Mary Lou Patterson had opposed abolishing the ward system when council voted 5-2 in October to begin the process.

First Published: March 16, 2006, 5:00 a.m.