Four seats with 4-year terms are open on the Tamaqua Borough Council and voters will choose from five candidates. Incumbents Robert Amentler, Ronald Bowman, Brian Connely and Jay A. Hollenbach Jr. are seeking re-election. All are Republican candidates. Newcomer Tina Burns is the lone Democrat.

Brian Connely

Background: A Tamaqua High School graduate, attended Penn State University. A volunteer firefighter with American Hose Co. #1 for 34 years, I am a former president of the Tamaqua Community Ambulance, Schuylkill County Firefighters Assn., PA Fire and Emergency Services Institute and the W. Penn Township Lions Club. I am an Eagle Scout and former assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 776. I serve as Eastern Vice President of the PA Firefighters Association, Chairman of the water and borough authority.

Why you are running for office: I am running for my fourth term on council because we have many things as a community to accomplish. First and foremost is to build upon the success of our CRIZ designation to help continue bringing business and jobs to our area, while continuing to support those already here. We must continue to improve infrastructure. Upcoming projects include a new Police and Community Center, rehabilitation of the sewer treatment facility and a new pool complex.

The biggest problem facing the borough and how you would solve it: The biggest problem are absentee landlords and irresponsible property owners. This has cost our town money over the years. We must enforce ordinances and laws to bring resolution to these properties that have become eyesores. We must work with legislators and our judicial system to hold these people accountable and find ways so they do not fall through the cracks on technicalities. The borough must continue to be aggressive on its enforcement.

Additional comments: When re-elected, I plan to continue working for the community as I have done as a member of council and as a community member. People that know me will tell you that I will always talk to anyone about any issues, and do what I can to assist. I would ask again for your vote so we can continue to do great things in Tamaqua.

Ronald Bowman

Town: Tamaqua

Background: I have been on council for eight years.

Why are you running for office: I believe I have contributed my share in different areas and would like to continue to work for the people and the Borough of Tamaqua.