Lehighton’s mayor has an office now and encouraged residents to visit him.

Mayor Clark Ritter announced his upcoming hours at last week’s borough council meeting.

Ritter said that beginning in April, his office will be open from 2-4 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday and Friday of each month, and others by appointment. To set an appointment, call 610-849-3137.

Councilman Joe Flickinger questioned Ritter as to how many times he has used his office located next to borough Manager Nicole Beckett.

Ritter told Flickinger he hasn’t because he doesn’t have filing cabinets inside his office.

“Should you run my office, or should I?” Ritter asked Flickinger.

In January, council on a 4-3 vote agreed to allow Ritter to use the office next to Beckett.

Previously Ritter had been meeting with visitors in the borough’s police station. Council members Ryan Saunders, Darryl Arner, Autumn Abelovsky and Lisa Perry were in favor. Donald Rehrig, Flickinger and council President Grant Hunsicker were opposed.

Abelovsky asked at November’s meeting for Ritter to be able to use an empty office next to Beckett during discussion on the use of space in borough hall.

However, Flickinger said at that time he was against the idea. He argued that most wear many hats and perform many duties without their own office space, felt it wasn’t necessary, and planned to vote against it.

Abelovsky said historically, the borough mayor has had an office, though it’s been some time. It’s believed the last time that was the case was when the police department was still located in the borough building.

Borough police Chief Brian Biechy noted the office where Ritter has met with people gets used by police from time to time for interviewing.