Two people applied for the open seat on Coplay Borough Council.

Applications for the seat, which became vacant with the resignation of Michael Mazur last month, were due 3 p.m. Tuesday. Both candidates – Steve Burker and Beverly Miller – had a chance to address council and answer questions.

Burker, who has chaired the annual Coplay Community Days event for two years, addressed council first.

"I understand the responsibility council members face," he said, explaining he faces similar challenges running the festival, which he was responsible for expanding.

"I learned with all the challenges we face ... to make this festival happen, the main ingredient is teamwork, especially since we all share the same interest, which is what is best for our neighbors, family, friends and people of Coplay," he said.

He said he would like to be a part of a team that does the right thing for Coplay. The town has a bright future and realizing its potential will require the ability to play well with others.

"There's a reason God gave us two ears and one mouth, to learn to do a little more listening and a little less reacting," he said.

Several council members took the opportunity to ask questions.

Councilman Charles Sodl asked Burker if he leaned more toward politics or business.

"Business," Burker said.

Councilman Matthew Recker asked Burker to elaborate.

Burker said running the festival requires smart business decisions as does running the borough.

"I may be wrong but that's the way I feel," he said.

Councilman Joseph Groller asked Burker why he wanted to be a councilman.

Burker said it is because he and his family live in Coplay and he wants to be a part of making the community better.

"I'm proud to call Coplay home," he said.

Recker asked what changes Burker would make if appointed to council.

Burker said he didn't have any specific changes in mind because he has a lot to learn.

"All I can say is anything that's for the good of Coplay, I'm going to be for it," he said. "If there's room for improvement, I'm going to be all for it as long as it's all for the good of Coplay."

"I want to thank you for applying," said Councilman Bill Leiner Jr. "I heard you were applying and, better yet, learned you're a candidate in [the] May primary. I'm very excited about it. I think that if you're selected, you will do well."

Both Leiner and Sodl congratulated Burker for the success of Coplay Community Days.

Leiner said, however, that politics is a necessary part of running a community because some things that are important to a community, such as a swimming pool, don't make sense from a purely business perspective.

Miller, who addressed council next, did not have a prepared introduction.

"Everybody pretty much knows who I am," said Miller, who is also a former councilwoman.

"That was great," she said of Burker's presentation. "He's a good guy."

Only Sodl had a question for Miller. He asked how she would proceed as a council member if the library referendum fails.

A question will appear on the May primary ballot asking residents if they support a 0.38-mill tax to support the library, which no longer receives funding from the school district. In the spring of 2012, several council members suggested to the school district provide "one-time, wind-down funding" in the amount of $48,000 for the 2012-13 school year.

Miller said it's important to consider the will of the people when on council.

"As you know when you sit up there as compared to sitting here, it's harder," she said.

It's important to have business sense but also to remember what the community needs, she said.

"The best way to make the tough decisions is to collect facts, take your time, don't jump on things right away," she said. Acknowledging council people don't always have the luxury of time, she said, "It just means you got to work harder and faster to get those facts."

Council members also must do what is best for the borough without worrying about whether their actions will get them re-elected, she said.

"You can politic all you want till you get up there. When you get up there, it has to stop," she said.

Leiner thanked her for applying.

Council will select one of the two candidates at its regular meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. March 12. The person will serve until the end of 2013 and must run for election in order to continue to serve.

Both Miller and Burker have said they will run.

Anyone wishing to run for a seat on council or mayor must file a petition with Lehigh County by March 12.