Coplay Borough Council interviewed mayoral candidates during its workshop meeting Feb. 2.

Mayor Joseph Bundra resigned as mayor in January, citing personal reasons for his departure. The borough immediately began a search for his replacement.

Borough Secretary Sandra Gyecsek said three candidates applied for the position: James Peluso, Kimberly Fitzpatrick and Dean Molitoris.

Coplay’s requirements for mayor are that the person be a resident of the borough for at least one year and be a registered voter.

Peluso did not attend the meeting, and council members ruled him out of contention for the seat.

Fitzpatrick answered questions from council and presented her proposals.

“A mayor needs to be confident and cooperative,” she said.

Both Fitzpatrick and Molitoris felt it was important to develop a strong relationship with borough council.

Bundra’s term has 23 months remaining. Both candidates committed to serving the remainder of the term and to actively seek to be elected to the office.

Molitoris is the brother of Councilman Mark Molitoris. The mayoral candidate said he did not feel there was a potential problem working as mayor with his brother as a council member.

“I think a mayor needs to be a listener and communicator,” he said in response to a question regarding the qualities of a mayor. “It is important to be able to talk with residents and communicate their concerns to council so things can get done,” he said.

Fitzpatrick has lived in the borough for two years and served on active duty in the military.

Molitoris manages the maintenance crew at Moravian College and is a long-term resident of the borough.

Council congratulated both candidates on their responses and their dedication to serving the borough.

During the next week, council will meet to determine its selection.

Council will appoint the new mayor at its regular meeting, set for Feb. 9.