Bowmanstown mayor appointed to fill vacant borough council seat
Mayor William Ravert, left, takes the oath of office from secretary Tracy Burbage during the Bowmanstown Borough Council meeting Tuesday. DEREK SOLT/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
During the borough council meeting on Tuesday, Bowmanstown Mayor William Ravert was appointed to a vacant seat on council on a 4-2 vote. The borough now will look for a new mayor to fill his position.
Council members Norman Engle, Rob Moyer, Darren Thomas and Pam Leiby voted for the appointment, while Barb Eastland and Kara Scott were opposed. There were two other letters of interest submitted for the vacant position.
The vacancy was due to the passing of longtime Councilman Burdell Steigerwalt.
Steigerwalt served on council for 33 years and was recognized at the start of the meeting with a moment of silence and the reading of a proclamation honoring his service to the community.
Before the appointment, Ravert spoke to council and said that he feels his record speaks for itself.
“I’ve served the borough for approximately 35 years,” Ravert said.
When asked why he would want to step down as mayor, he said, “I feel I can serve the community better serving as a council person.”
Ravert also stated he has served on several committees over his years of service.
In order to accept the appointment, Ravert submitted his resignation as the mayor, which was unanimously approved.
Ravert was sworn in as councilman by borough secretary Tracy Burbage.
