Coaldale is looking for a new council member.

Councilman Thomas Keerans died on March 18. His four-year term was set to expire at the end of this year.

Council is looking to appoint someone to fill the seat for the remainder of Keerans’ unexpired term. If appointed, the new council member would have to run for re-election this fall.

The borough is accepting letters of interest from people interested in filling the seat through December. Letters will be accepted until 3 p.m. on Monday at Coaldale Borough Hall, 221 Third St.

Candidates must have resided in Coaldale for one year and be a registered voter.

Council will vote on the vacancy at its meeting on April 9.

Keerans did not file paperwork to run for re-election this year, so his name will not appear on the primary ballot.

Keerans notified council last year that he was taking an indefinite hiatus due to his health, but he remained on council officially.

Keerans, 60, graduated from Tamaqua Area High School in 1976 and worked as an insurance salesman, according to his obituary.

There are four council seats up for grabs this fall. Three Republicans and three Democrats are on the ballot for the May primary.

The Democrat ballot includes incumbent Yvonne Stoffey and newcomers Chad M. Gerber and Pauline Y. McNavage.

The Republican ballot will include incumbent Claire Remington, Mary Ann Markley and Wayne Figner.