Lansford Borough Council is already down one council person, less than three weeks into the new year.

George Gilbert, who was appointed as the new council president two weeks ago, resigned, effective Monday.

“Serving the community has been an honor, and I remain deeply committed to the well-being of our residents,” he wrote in a letter to council.

“However, the current environment within the council has made it increasingly difficult to fulfill my responsibilities in a constructive and effective manner,” Gilbert wrote. “Persistent conflict, limited collaboration, and an overall lack of mutual respect have created conditions that hinder productive decision-making and positive progress for the borough.”

Gilbert said he along with his family have been subjected to harassment and hostility from certain citizens, and it’s “taken a significant personal toll.”

“Public service requires a resilience, but it also requires a basic level of respect and civility that is presently lacking,” Gilbert said in the letter. “These circumstances have led me to the difficult conclusion that stepping aside is the most responsible decision — for my own health and well-being and for the borough’s ability to hopefully move forward with a council that can work together more cohesively.”

Gilbert is grateful for the opportunity and the support and respect he received from many other residents, and offered an apology for those who placed their trust in him “to move the town in a better direction.

“This decision, though difficult, reflects my belief in doing what’s best for all involved,” he wrote. “I remain hopeful that the borough will continue to grow, strengthen and find unity in the years ahead.”

Gilbert also wished borough council and the community continued success and the best in their future endeavors.

Council will likely accept the resignation at its next regular meeting in February and will have 30 days to appoint a new council member to fill the vacancy once it accepts the resignation.

“The resignation become effective when council accepts it,” solicitor Bob Yurchak said Monday. “Until that time, it is an offer and can be withdrawn up to the date of acceptance. Council will then have 30 days from acceptance of the resignation to appoint someone.”

If council does not appoint someone in 30 days, the matter goes the borough vacancy board, and after 15 days, if no one is appointed, then interested parties could file with county court for the appointment, Yurchak said.

“At this point, since it is the president who has resigned, in his absence the vice president assumes those duties,” the solicitor said. “Once a new council member is appointed, then the council can choose to reorganize completely or simply elect a president and vice president.”