A judge is expected to review the litigation City Council has filed that compels the mayor to make recommendations to fill expired terms on the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority, city officials said.

The legal plea asked for Mayor Gabriel J. Campana to reappoint – or make a new appointment – seats with expired terms, according to Councilman Randall J. Allison.

Campana said it’s nothing more than a vendetta council’s had for years and members are upset because they could not convince the voters to change the form of government.

“Strong mayor has the appointment power,” Campana said.

Council filed the plea this week in Lycoming County Court, according to Austin White, council solicitor.

Campana said he is happy with the authority and its 10-member board. However, he added, council is given the courtesy – once he finds a qualified individual – to give its “advice and consent.”

“That does not supersede the appointment,” Campana said, adding that Norman Lubin, the other city solicitor, has filed a motion to dismiss the plea.

“It is a gray area based on the state authorities law,” Allison said, adding it will probably be for a judge to decide.

Council consent doesn’t override the appointment of the strong mayor in a third-class city government, said Cindi Perry, a member of the authority who is one of those singled out by council.

“I believe every administration should be able to appoint their own people,” Perry said, adding that council is “irresponsible in bringing this forward now.”

Perry said the litigation is far more about the political campaign of Campana, whom she considers an effective mayor the past 12 years.

“In fact, it’s a slap in the face to the new administration saying that whoever it is can’t make their own choices,” she said, adding she enjoys serving.

“Why would you want to appoint people now for five-year terms when there will be new administration?” Perry asked.