The Lehigh County Board of Commissioners has a new commissioner. Upper Macungie resident and piano teacher Amanda Holt received the five votes necessary for appointment at the board's July 9 meeting. Voting in opposition were Commissioners David Jones Sr., Percy Dougherty and Geoff Brace.

Holt was one of 15 Republican candidates vying to fill former Commissioner Scott Ott's seat. Ott resigned in order to relocate to Texas with his family.

Holt, a self professed Republican, is most known for her research that ultimately resulted in a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision that altered the make up of legislative districts across the state.

She said she is prepared to serve the residents of Lehigh County.

"I'm a hard worker and I really care about people," Holt said. "I'm interested in doing the right thing for the people of Lehigh County."

Board Chairwoman Lisa Scheller said Holt is the right person to fill the commissioners seat.

"She has great analytical skills, she's fair and willing to stand up for what she believes in," she said.

Commissioner Brad Osborne said Holt meets the criteria for serving on the board of commissioners.

"She has demonstrated she is not afraid to stand alone on principle," he said.

In addition to teaching piano, Holt works as an independent data research contractor for Phoebe Ministries, Allentown.

Holt will serve the remaining 17 months of the seat.

Among the candidates for the seat were municipal elected officials, a school board member and two previous commissioners.