Lansford council members voted unanimously to censure the mayor for contacting the workplace of a resident who is married to a borough employee.

Borough council took a vote during their regular meeting to sanction Mayor Michele Bartek.

In its approved motion, council said it does not condone or approve the actions of the mayor in calling in a complaint to the employer of an employee’s spouse.

“Lansford Borough council strongly supports the rights of all citizens to voice their opinions of elected officials. Under no circumstances should an elected official use the authority of their position to retaliate against citizens that voice a negative opinion of an elected official,” said council President Bruce Markovich.

The resident made a written complaint to the borough council after she learned that Bartek had contacted her employer. Markovich wouldn’t discuss the specifics of the resident’s complaint because he said it is potentially the subject of a lawsuit.

Council met with the resident, who presented a written account that the employer made of the mayor’s allegations. Council also reviewed some of the online posts criticizing Bartek.

Markovich said that council determined that Bartek’s allegations to the employer were unfounded. But he said that they could still be potentially damaging to the resident.

“Just the mere accusation, these allegations will always be in her record,” he said.

Bartek admitted calling the woman’s employer, but said she felt council didn’t give her enough of a chance to explain her actions.

She said she isn’t opposed to being criticized online, but said the resident’s comments crossed the line because she used profanity.

“You’re allowed on Facebook to say you don’t like me, you don’t want me as mayor, but nowhere are you allowed to curse somebody in a public forum, or besmirch them,” Bartek said.

Bartek denied that her phone call was related to the woman’s husband’s job with the borough. She said she identified herself as the Lansford mayor because it was relevant to the comments she was reporting.

“If it’s an employee issue, that’s between me and the employee, not me, the employee and the spouse,” she said.

Police chief Jack Soberick declined to comment and said that the issue is between the mayor and council.