There is a new face on Lower Saucon Township Council.

Magisterial District Judge Alan Mege administered the council oath of office to Jennifer Helton prior to the start of the Wednesday, Oct. 21 council meeting. After interviewing candidates the week prior, council had voted to appoint Helton to fill the unexpired term of councilwoman Priscilla deLeon, who resigned her seat in September and retired after nearly four decades of service to the township.

In the Fall/Winter edition of the township newsletter published Wednesday, council president Victoria Opthof-Cordaro expressed her gratitude to deLeon for her leadership, which began with her election to council in 1987 and included several terms as council president.

“It is hard to put into words the tremendous positive impact Ms. deLeon has had on our community,” she wrote. “A strong advocate for our natural resources and historical landmarks, Ms. deLeon has guided our community in developing the many parks and open spaces we enjoy today.”

Her letter noted that among the township landmarks deLeon had a role in developing are Polk Valley Park, the township municipal complex on Old Philadelphia Pike, the Saucon Rail Trail, and the Society Hill and Four Seasons planned residential communities near Hellertown.

Although she is new to council, Helton already has experience serving the local community in a public capacity. She is currently vice chair of the Lower Saucon Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) and has helped lead the nonprofit Saucon Creek Watershed Association.

She is now one of five members of township council, along with Opthof-Cordaro, vice president Laura Ray, Chad Heimbecker and Hunter Gress. The term which Helton was appointed to fill ends on Dec. 31, 2027.

The next Lower Saucon Township Council meeting will be held Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Lower Saucon Town Hall. Meetings, which are normally held the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., are also livestreamed on the township’s YouTube channel.