A vacancy still exists on Bowmanstown Borough Council after a deadlock couldn’t be broken.

Five candidates applied to fill the open seat on council, with four of the candidates on hand Tuesday to sell themselves for the position.

Kristy Spairana, Norman Engle Jr., Robert Sikorsky, Ron Gantz, and Rachel Melendez are the five people interested in the post.

Engle cited the fact he ran in last month’s primary, coupled with his past experience as a council member, as reasons he would be qualified.

Sikorsky, a regular attendee at council meetings, said he would do his best to make with what little the borough has to point it in the right direction.

Gantz said he saw the opening online, and with a family of four, he wanted to have a voice for not only his family, but other families in the borough as well.

Melendez, who previously served as president of Suburban EMS in Palmer Township, said she would be a good fit because she would bring a fresh perspective, and wants to help the borough move forward in a positive direction.

Spairana was not in attendance because of a work commitment.

Afterward, council, which only had four members present, took nominations to fill the open seat.

Councilman Rob Moyer supported Sikorsky, while Councilman Darren Thomas backed Spairana.

Voting in favor of Sikorsky were Moyer and Councilwoman Kara Scott.

In support of Spairana were Thomas and council President Pam Leiby.

Council members William Ravert and Candace Rodrigues were absent.

Borough solicitor Lisa Pereira said that since Mayor Zach Snyder wasn’t in attendance, that meant council couldn’t break the tie.

As a result, Pereira said council would have to postpone the appointment of a new council member, and would need to call a special meeting.

Pereira said that Tonia Smale, vacancy board chairperson, must be in attendance at the special meeting, which council is expected to hold one day next week.

Whoever is chosen to fill the post will replace former Councilwoman Donna Winter, who resigned last month.

Winter stated in her resignation letter, “My priorities have changed in the past six months, and I cannot devote the time necessary to serve.”

Winter, who had been routinely absent from council meetings for the past several months, was appointed to an empty seat in November 2020.

She replaced Rodrigues, who initially resigned in October 2020.

Rodrigues was then appointed by council in December 2020 to fill the vacant seat of former Councilwoman Barbara Eastland.