Published: November 04, 2009 10:00 pm      

Indian Lake mayor ending 30 years in government

INDIAN LAKE — Barry Lichty will turn over his duties as mayor of Indian Lake after more than 30 years in municipal government.

Republican Michael Miscoe, a four-term councilman, was elected mayor of the resort community Tuesday by a 135-101 vote over Democratic challenger Lee W. Nearhoff.

Lichty, a Republican who threw his support behind Miscoe’s campaign for mayor, is retiring but plans to remain active in the community.

Somerset County commissioners last month appointed Lichty to the Somerset County General Authority, which built the $23.1 million Quemahoning Pipeline.

“Its been a challenge,” Lichty said of his 16 years as mayor and three as a councilman.

“I think we’ve accomplished a lot,” he said. “We got the hiking and biking trail, one more phase of the dam-remediation project.”

The James W. McIntyre Hiking and Biking Trail opened in May 2008. The five-mile trail, a $582,200 project, is located at the Buckstown Road trailhead just off Route 30.

The final phase of the dam-remeditation project is slated for completion in 2012. The state ordered the repairs on the 44-year-old earthen dam because of concerns about seepage. The project will cost $7 million to $7.5 million.

Lichty earlier served on Somerset Borough Council for 12 years, including eight as president.

“I feel good about Mike taking over,” Lichty said. “He’s qualified and capable of handling the duties.”

Miscoe said Lichty has been a mentor.

“He leaves big shoes to fill and my feet aren’t that big,” Miscoe said. “He was respected throughout the borough.”

Miscoe said he will work with the police department, oversee the dam project and leave it to council to craft policy.