Slatington Borough Council appointed local business owner and resident Jason Ruff to the vacant seat left by former board President Gwyneth Jones.

During Monday night's meeting, Clarence Schmoyer, Jesse Ottman, Edwin Zeigler and Ruffstood beforecouncil to express their interest in the vacancy.After asking each applicant what they would change about the borough and what they would keep the same, Councilman Joseph Wechsler nominated Ruff, the owner of the Charlotte Fay Main Street Diner, with Councilman Jon Rinker seconding the motion.Councilman Mel Gildner opposed the appointment, instead nominating Ottman."Since you are a business owner, if you have to make a decision that impacts the taxpayer, are you worried they may boycott your business?" Gildner asked."Yes, but council is a public service. I'd be on council to serve the public, not just my self-interest," Ruff said. "My commitment is to cause greatness in Slatington, not diminish it."Gildner than asked what one thing Ruff would change in the borough."I hear residents ask what is it going to take to make Slatington as great as it was in the 1950s and '60s when residents talked to their neighbors and the shops were all filled. I'd like to bring that camaraderie back to the town," he said.The one thing Ruff said he would not like to see changed is the humble, hardworking attitude of the town."Slatington is where I got my humble beginnings," Ruff said.Mayor Walter Niedermeyer swore Ruff in to the board.Ruff then took the empty seat next to Gildner.Ruff was appointed to the Human and Community Services borough committee with Michael Brogan taking over as chairman for the highway committee."I'm humbled and honored to serve the community of Slatington," he said.In March, Jones submitted a letter of resignation after a 4-3 vote for Councilman David Schnaars to take over the presidency.Jones had been appointed board president during January's reorganization meeting with her term set to expire in 2018. Ruff will hold the council seat until the end of the former president's term, when he will have to run for re-election.