Borough hires new code enforcement officer; Pronio clears air on departure

SHENANDOAH – Shenandoah has a new code enforcement officer, and the former officer provided an explanation Monday night on his abrupt departure from borough service.

Council voted 7-0 to hire James Flail as a part-time code enforcement officer.

Flail has extensive experience in the construction field and has been president of multiple organizations in Frackville, Council President Joe Boris said at Monday night’s borough council meeting.

He replaces Mark Pronio, who resigned last month and was present at the meeting.

“I am very, very sorry for the whole town to see you go,” councilwoman Katie Catizone said to Pronio in the audience.

“He did a helluva job for us,” Tony Sajone, borough manager, said.

He had been among the most effective code enforcement officers in the borough’s recent history, spearheading the demolition of the M&T Quart Store at Main and Cherry Streets and the installation of trail cameras in trash dumping hotspots in town.

At June’s meeting, Pronio was championing a blight remediation program in the borough.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Pronio explained his abrupt departure, thanking council, the borough, and “all of the people in the borough who have community pride that literally stepped up, gave me photos, statements, and weren’t afraid to help the borough.”

“I didn’t want to resign,” Pronio said. “I left because I have an untenable relationship with a member of this council.”

He cited false accusations, unprofessional conduct, and more from the council member who was not named.

“I have a 30 year career in federal law enforcement that’s unblemished, complete and total integrity,” he added. “It broke my heart because I know there’s a lot to be done left in the borough. A lot.”

Pronio said he’d heard false rumors float back to him regarding his departure.

“I want outside allegations being done in the capacity of a sitting councilman to stop,” Pronio said. “I appreciate everything you all did. I’d appreciate to be allowed to move on with a different job and to move on with my life, and I expect council to do the same.”

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