Attorney appointed to fill Salem City Council vacancy

SALEM — Bret K. Apple, 47, a Salem attorney, has been named an at-large city councilman to replace Justin Palmer.

Palmer is moving to Washington, D.C., to be a legislative aide to newly elected U.S. Rep. John Boccieri. Palmer had one year remaining in his first term in office.

Democratic Party official Patty Colian said today that Apple was the only person who expressed interest in the post.

Apple previously had served as a municipal court judge. He said he had been approached by several people who urged him to seek the post.

“I hope I can bring something to the mix,” Apple said.