Lehighton Borough Council has filled a councilor vacancy, but the action didn't come easily.
It took three votes before Traupman was approved - by unanimous vote - to a two-year term. He was one of four candidates for the position.
Traupman is a member of the Libertarian Party. He said in his letter for consideration, "It is important to state, however, that any opinions or decisions I would offer or make regarding the borough would be based on my judgement and analysis of the benefits and risks and the impact on the community. In simple terms, I don't play party politics."
The vacancy occurred because in last year's elections, Donald Rehrig ran for both council and mayor. He won both races, but couldn't hold both seats. As a result, he resigned the council post.
Others seeking it besides Traupman were Lamont Hunsicker, a former councilman; Melissa Moser, and Opal N. Snyder.
Initially, Melissa Ebbert made a motion to appoint Hunsicker while Darryl Arner made the nomination for Traupman.
A roll-call for Hunsicker ended in a 3-3 tie, with Ebbert, Grant Hunsicker, and Scott Rehrig voting "yes," while Arner, Bessie Bauchspies, and John Wayne Bird opposed.
On a roll-call for Traupman, voting went the complete opposite.
Mayor Rehrig was told he could break the tie and would have 15 days to do so, but responded that