BRIDGEPORT — The village of Bridgeport appointed a new member to council during a special meeting Tuesday evening.

Michelle Bennington-Lucarelli was sworn in as a member after sitting members unanimously voted in favor of her to fill the vacant seat.

The seat was left empty when former councilman Jeffrey Whitacre submitted his letter of resignation due to “unexpected personal commitments” last month.

Shortly after Whitacre’s resignation, council began accepting letters of interest to fill the position.

Acting Mayor Norma Teasdale said a total of six letters of interest were received from residents seeking to fill the open seat.

During Tuesday’s special meeting, remaining council members Teasdale, Ben Lenz, Joseph Lyle, David Rice and Travis Snodgrass interviewed each of the six applicants.

Each candidate was allotted three minutes to speak to council.

Solicitor Michael Shaheen said council then entered executive session to discuss personnel.

After returning from the executive session, a motion was made to appoint Benninton-Lucarelli to fill the position.

Bennington-Lucarelli also works as the associate director of the House of the Carpenter.

Shaheen said Bennington-Lucarelli is very qualified for the position and eager to aid her community.

“Bennington-Lucarelli is very qualified, she’s very anxious to help. She has good credentials, a strong background in the community and comes with a very positive attitude,” he said.

Shaheen said although council was impressed with all the applicants, Bennington-Lucarelli stood out.

Teasdale said she is glad to have the position filled and is appreciative of all those who submitted letters of interest.

“On behalf of council members, we want to thank all the applicants for their interest in serving on council. The response was wonderful,” she said.

Shaheen swore Bennington-Lucarelli into the council position during the special meeting.

If Teasdale decides to run for mayor in the upcoming election, Shaheen said council will next have to fill her current position as council president pro tempore. Teasdale has not yet indicated if she will run for the position.

Council will next meet at 6 p.m. July 21 at the village municipal building.