By DENNIS J. WRIGHT
Journal Register News Service

PHOENIXVILLE — It's another four years as mayor for Democrat Leo Scoda, as he held on to his seat against a challenge from former Councilman Louis J. Amici, a Republican.

With all precincts reporting Wednesday morning, Scoda garnered 61 percent of the vote, or 1,331 votes. Amici took in 836 votes.

This will mark Scoda's fourth term as mayor of Phoenixville, a position he's held since 1997.

Both men ran unchallenged in the primary back in May with very few write-in votes, which set up their face-off on Tuesday.

Scoda came to be mayor after a 1997 campaign against incumbent Republican Mayor Charles Ash. He then ran unopposed in his bid for a second term in 2001, and won a third term in a 2005 race against former council President Bob Tigro.

Prior to becoming mayor, Scoda served as a member of council in the old West Ward from 1972 to 1979.

One aspect of Phoenixville that Scoda is most proud of is the police department. During his term in office, the department has increased the number of officers from 19 to 28.

The bike patrol, a program instituted during Scoda's first term, has six officers, along with a canine officer, school resource officer and a drug enforcement officer.

Three members of the force are certified DARE officers who work in the program at Barkley School and Holy Family School.

Progressive action by Scoda's office has resulted in top equipment and training for the police, a change to a 12-hour shift program, the first gun buy-back program, instituted in 2007, and many officers who have now earned college degrees, including two who hold master's degrees.

Amici was a member of Borough Council for 12 years.