Bowmanstown selects new member to fill vacant seat

A Bowmanstown council member was replaced by his daughter at the borough’s regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday night.

Joseph Rodrigues’ resignation letter was read aloud by board President William Ravert. In it, Rodrigues, who is an employee of Air Products, wrote that a hectic work schedule led to his decision to step down.

“My work has placed me on second shift, which prevents me from performing the duties of the office,” Joseph wrote.

“I want to thank you for the faith in appointing me. … Hopefully, sometime in the future my work schedule will change again and allow me to pursue a position with the borough.”

Rodrigues’ resignation prompted council to immediately fill the newly vacant spot.

“I think we need to fill that seat as expeditiously as possible so that council can perform their duties in the best manner possible,” Ravert said.

Candace Rodrigues, Joseph’s 22-year-old daughter, was voted to fill the position.

Council member Rob Moyer, who nominated Candace for the two-year seat, pointed to her age and newness to the board as two reasons why she should be appointed to it.

After the board chose Candace to take her father’s place, Tracy Burbage, secretary, gave her a call. Candace arrived to the meeting a few minutes later and was sworn in that night.

A Lehigh Carbon Community College graduate, Candace has also worked in state Rep. Doyle Heffley’s office. She said she’s excited to serve on council and get involved with the community.

“It’s definitely something new,” she said.