In a unanimous decision, Jim Thorpe Borough Council appointed Tom Chapman on Thursday to fill the vacant seat left by the resignation of Jessica Crowley in September.

Chapman, a lifelong resident of Jim Thorpe with 33 years of commercial construction experience, said he is committed to a positive impact.

“I hear a lot about the projects going and maybe I can lend some expertise there,” he said.

“My goal is to work with my colleagues on council and help make sure we’re having the right rules for the right reasons. I always tell my employees don’t complain unless you have a solution. Not that I complain, but I think this is an opportunity where maybe I can add to what council is doing here.”

Council President Greg Strubinger expressed gratitude for the quality of candidates who stepped forward to serve the community.

“We as a council don’t like to be in this position to fill a vacant seat,” Strubinger said. “We’d much rather the residents have a say through voting. Things happen though and we were lucky to have a good group of candidates.”

Chapman’s experience in construction is well-known locally. Alongside Duke Blauch, he is playing a pivotal role in the transformation of the former YMCA of Mauch Chunk on Broadway into a hotel and spa.

“Tom has a background in construction, and we hope to lean on some of his expertise as we go through our upcoming building projects,” Strubinger said.

A healthy portion of Jim Thorpe’s meeting Thursday night centered around the Fall Foliage Festival and some of the parking and traffic concerns that come along with it.

Chapman, however, said the events are a positive for the local economy.

“I think we’re lucky to have it,” he said. “You look around some other areas that don’t have these good things happening and it can have a negative impact. Sometimes you have to take the inconveniences to get the benefits.”

The vacancy on the council was created when Jessica Crowley announced her resignation in September. On social media, she cited her relocation to western Pennsylvania as the reason for stepping down.

Chapman’s term will run until the first Monday in January 2026.