State College Borough Council President Knauer can seek re-election, according to a ruling by Judge Charles Brown on Thursday in a civil suit proceeding filed by fellow council member James Meyer.

Meyer petitioned Knauer's re-nomination for a council seat as a violation to the 1999 Home Rule Charter, which limits the number of consecutive terms to which a candidate can be elected or appointed to serve on the council to a maximum of two terms or eight years in office.

Had Meyer researched the referendum more closely, he might have arrived at the same conclusion as Judge Brown — the referendum does not affect Knauer, because her first term began before it was enacted — only without the hassle of going to court.

Fortunately, the case was not a drawn-out one as it was quickly decided within days of when it was filed. However, the suit could have a more enduring negative impact on the borough council itself.

Because Meyer failed to notify Knauer and fellow council members of his intent to file suit until the last possible moment, council members described the suit as a "shock." There was no chance for a discussion about the suit or the 1999 legislation that was at the core of Meyer's argument. This type of surprise announcement from one member to another would undoubtedly have an unsettling effect on the governmental body.

Reflecting on the suit's possible effects on the council, member Elizabeth Goreham said: "This will impact our sense of collegiality and cooperation. This isn't going to increase our ability to work together." Similarly, when Brown heard the case Thursday, Goreham said some council members intentionally sat separately from each other, perhaps as a sign of their disagreement on the issue.

As Meyer and his attorney discuss whether to appeal the decision, we hope that he will consider what kind of effect this discourse could have upon his colleagues and their ability to work together. After all, the reason he's on the council is to serve his constituents, and negative feelings among the council members would not be effectively in doing that.