Macungie Council Elects Christopher Becker President

In a reflection of the national stage, the Borough of Macungie also experienced a peaceful transfer of power Monday when Council voted Christopher Becker into its top seat.

In a 5-2 vote, Jean Nagle was voted out of the president's chair.

Council members Debra Cope, Joseph Sikorski, David Boyko, Linn Walker and Becker voted for the change. Gregory Hutchison and Nagle voted against.

The issue was introduced by Cope right after the meeting began during the "Council Compliments, Complaints, Petitions and Appeals" segment of the meeting."

She began with an analysis of 2012, citing decisions that were made with past councils often hanging inappropriately in the background.

"Maybe some council members have not made peace with past council," she said.

"I'm concerned with where we're heading. I don't want past councils to be my experience. It's so negative. There's so much resentment in this room. I want to be on a new council, a transparent one.

"I move to appoint Chris Becker as president of council," she said.

Boyko immediately seconded her motion.

But before the vote was taken, Sikorski asked Becker if he would accept the job.

Becker said yes, and that he was honored to be asked.

Also like Washington, not everyone supported the move.

Hutchison said he thought the move was a mistake and that there was value in knowing what past councils had done.

"New people haven't been around. They're not aware of the pitfalls. Or do you just totally want to forget about the past," Hutchison asked.

After the vote, Solicitor Patrick Armstrong said the transfer of power should occur immediately since both members were present.

Becker shook Nagle's hand as the two traded seats.