Former Undergraduate Student Government Senate President Ron Marlow yesterday submitted his application for the State College Borough Council seat left open after the death of John Dombroski on Dec. 8.

Marlow (senior-political science) said he has thought about his role on council should his bid be successful.

"There needs to be an effort by students to take an active part in local government," he said.

He said he is concerned with public safety, town/gown relations, and the rate of commercial development in the borough. Marlow said he would investigate whether the borough's public safety capability has kept pace with its population growth.

He said he is also concerned with the effects of rapid commercial development on the character of State College.

"I think State College is growing a little too quickly for itself," he said.

Meanwhile, borough council members reaffirmed at a work session Monday night their decision to keep confidential the application process for the vacant seat.

The council reacted to a letter from Christopher Harte, publisher of the Centre Daily Times, requesting that the process be made public.

Council members Ruth Lavin and Jean McManis said Monday they believe applicants' names should be kept confidential to protect their privacy.

Harte disagrees.

"I think it's the council's obligation to do the public's business in public," he said.

Council members will consider the candidates for the position in a closed session before their regular meeting at 7:30 Tuesday evening. They plan to fill the position during that evening's meeting.

Peter Marshal, borough manager, said four resumes, including one from a University student, have been handed in for review. He would not to say who they were from.

Harte, who sent his letter of complaint to the borough on Friday, said he was surprised that the council decided to evaluate the applicants in private.

"I'm sure we will continue to ask them to open it up, but (we) don't intend to litigate," Harte said.

Borough Tree Commission member Dan Wallace, who is among the applicants, said he does not object to making the selection process public.

"I happen to agree with the basic content of Mr. Harte's comments," Wallace said, adding that he sees appointees as having the same public accountability as elected members of local government.