Mahoning Township’s decision to appoint a new supervisor to replace an outgoing official was met with disdain by two recently-elected supervisors who questioned the practice by which the individual was selected.

On a 4-0 vote, the board on Wednesday accepted the resignation of Supervisor Myron “Zeke” Blahy.

Board Chairman Robert Slaw thanked Blahy for his service, which he said was much appreciated.

“It was a pleasure,” Blahy said. “I enjoyed my time here.”

Immediately afterward, the board approved Carol Etheridge’s letter of interest for the position of township supervisor.

Etheridge was then sworn in by township solicitor Tom Nanovic and took her seat on the board.

That decision was met with resistance by Matthew Wentz and Mark Schwalm, who both won the supervisors’ race in last week’s General Election.

Schwalm told the board it went against what the public wants.

“That’s not how an election works,” Schwalm said.

Matthew Wentz and Mark Schwalm won the supervisors’ race after Wentz garnered 777 votes, while Schwalm tallied 654 votes.

Losing out was Etheridge, who tallied 556 votes.

Afterward, the board appointed Supervisor Deb McGowan as vice president, the role in which Blahy had served.

Blahy submitted his letter of resignation to the board on Nov. 5 with regret.

“This was not an easy decision,” Blahy said. “My other commitments have become too great for me to be able to concentrate and fulfill the requirements of my position on the board, and I feel it is best at this time to make room for someone with the time and energy to devote to this position and to the residents of Mahoning Township.”

Blahy continued, “It has truly been a pleasure being a part of the board. I am so proud to have served for Mahoning Township and helped in taking part in accomplishing issues in the last several years.”

Blahy added that he wishes the board success “in accomplishing outstanding issues currently in progress for the residents of the township. Thank you again for the privilege to have served.

Blahy was selected in January 2022 to fill a vacant seat on the board.

He was one of three candidates to apply for the post at that time.

After losing out in his bid for reelection in November 2021, Blahy replaces former board Chairman Bruce Steigerwalt.

At its end-of-year meeting in December 2021, supervisors accepted Steigerwalt’s resignation, which was verbally tendered earlier that month.

Before that, Blahy had served on the board since January 2018.