The political machine grinded its wheels in Palmerton over the weekend when councilmen were called into a special meeting for reorganizational purposes.

President Conrad Biege, a Republican, was replaced by Councilman Vincent Kappes, a Democrat, while Leonard Bundra was voted to succeed Joseph Chintala, that action also being along party lines.

Kappes was elected to office during the last election, while Bundra was appointed to replace Councilman Russell Krawchuk in August.

Upon questioning by Biege and Chintala, who opposed the changes, councilmen said the action was a “political thing.”