No one can predict what issues might come before the Connoquenessing Township Board of Supervisors this year. It is to be hoped that all business runs smoothly and that the township is able to avoid disagreements or controversy.

The prospects for differences of opinion is part of what dictates that municipal governing bodies always have an uneven number of members - so stalemates can be avoided. But the three-member Connoquenessing Township board hasn't had that luxury of "uneven membership" since October, because of Supervisor Randall Fehl's lack of attendance.

Fehl's whereabouts, as late as Wednesday, were unknown. As of a meeting Monday evening, he hadn't picked up his township paychecks and, last Oct. 12, sold his township address on Evans City Road, six days after he last attended a township meeting.

Despite selling his property, he could still be a resident, living at another township address; he has never informed the township that he was no longer a resident. Whether or not he still is a resident, he has not informed the township about his intentions regarding his supervisor seat, and that has created a potential quandary for the board, if there is a divisive, but important, issue.

Fehl's term still has one year remaining, with whomever is elected to the position in November being scheduled to be sworn into office on Jan. 2, 2006. However, the seat shouldn't have to remain vacant for the next 12 months.

Thus, supervisors Steve Misko and Ray Kroll were correct Monday in voting to send a letter to county District Attorney Timothy McCune to start the process of having the seat declared vacant. If vacating the seat eventually is carried out, Misko and Kroll would have the task of filling the position.

The person selected would serve the remainder of Fehl's term and would have the option to seek a full six-year term in the November election.

Amid all of the current uncertainties regarding the seat, what's especially troubling is that, as an elected official entrusted with the public's business, Fehl chose not to inform other township officials about his residency status and, if he didn't want to continue serving, submit a letter of resignation. By now the board of supervisors could be operating with a full complement of members.

Granted, Fehl's whereabouts remain a matter of concern not only to the township government but to his family members, who reportedly have not heard from him. Therefore, some people might look upon the supervisors' Monday decision as premature.

In reality, it is not.

No elected body of officials should be content with leaving its membership shorthanded because of one official's refusal or inability to attend meetings. After a reasonable amount of time has elapsed, efforts should be initiated to declare a vacancy; indeed, the point at which such action is to start should be a part of written policy.

Connoquenessing is on the right track, regardless of what transpires regarding Fehl in the weeks ahead.

- J.R.K.