Mount Gretna Borough Council appoints Kerry Royer as interim mayor

This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project.

Mount Gretna Borough Council swore in Kerry Royer as the interim mayor at the Aug. 11 meeting, making her the first female mayor of the borough.

Royer replaces Joseph Shay, who announced his intention to resign in July because he is moving out of the area. Shay will remain with the fire company.

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Royer is the only person running for the mayor’s seat in November. The Hall of Philosophy was full of people to support her as she took her oath of office.

She is involved in other parts of the Mount Gretna and Lebanon County community, including serving as director of the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show.

“Mount Gretna is a treasure. In the busiest times at the height of the summer Chautauqua and in the quietest times, we are lucky that a place like this exists,” she said after the meeting. “So many people have built this amazing community, and I am simply carrying the baton.”

She said she was overwhelmed by the community support that was evident at the meeting, noting it’s because of the people and the greater Gretna community that she stepped up.

“I know that I have remarkable people aligned to help me showcase what is so special about where we choose to live and thrive,” she said.

Mount Gretna is a small borough with a population of under 200. Many people live there seasonally to enjoy summer events and the calm wooded environment.

Royer said a highlight of her service will be maintaining the atmosphere that brings so many people to the area.

“Mount Gretna is more than just the aesthetic charm. We are settled into the natural landscape,” she said. “That harmony is paramount to our residents, so I know that preserving our sense of place is at the forefront of civic responsibility.”

Mount Gretna Borough Council will meet next at 6 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Hall of Philosophy.