Just as the transformation of leaves from the green of summer to the brilliant shades of red and orange signals the arrival of autumn, so does the proliferation of political signs along highways serve as a harbinger of Election Day.
In fact, these signs have provided the only obvious clue that Nov. 8 is just around the corner. But don't attribute the delay in the start of the "real" campaign to candidate laziness or voter apathy. The Flood of 2011, not politics, has naturally been the main concern this fall, and candidates, to their credit, understand that for potential voters, home and family trumps elections.
The May 17 primary settled some questions, but in the interim, a rash of independent candidacies, certification of write-in winners and ballot replacements has changed the political equation in some races, including the main attraction of the general election - Northumberland County commissioner.
Here are the key ballot races or referenda:
Northumberland County commissioner - This could be the year of "every man for himself," with individual candidacies mattering more than party labels. Democratic incumbents Frank Sawicki and Vinny Clausi are running separate campaigns, and it looks like the Republican candidates, incumbent Merle Phillips and challenger Rick Shoch, are, too. The big question is: How will the candidacy of independent Stephen Bridy affect the outcome?
County treasurer - Sandy Winhofer, Democrat, is challenging Republican Kevin Gilroy, who was appointed after Ron Chamberlain resigned in 2010.
County sheriff - Incumbent Democratic Sheriff Chad Reiner, vying for a third term, is opposed by Republican Timothy G. Zerbe, a lieutenant at the county prison.
Uncontested county races - Longtime District Attorney Tony Rosini, a Democrat, is unopposed for re-election. Republican Tony Phillips, who has served as controller since the resignation of Chuck Erdman, is seeking election for the two-year balance of the term to which Erdman was re-elected in 2009. There is no Democratic candidate for controller.
Judge Saylor's retention - The electorate shall decide by voting "yes" or "no" whether Charles (Chuck) Saylor, first elected in 2001, will be retained as judge. Since the law providing for retention, rather than re-election, of sitting judges went into effect, there has been only one occasion in Northumberland County when an incumbent judge was defeated for retention. Peter Krehel's loss in 1985 occurred, however, as the result of a concerted campaign against him by the county Republican Party. Incumbent judges who won retention were Samuel C. Ranck (1985), Robert B. Sacavage (2005) and William H. Wiest (2007).
Mount Carmel Area tax referendum - Mount Carmel Area School District voters last year soundly defeated an attempt to eliminate the district's occupation assessment tax. A similar question (although worded a bit differently) is on the ballot this year, so the electorate has an opportunity to reconsider. The occupation assessment tax has been described as one of the most unfair taxes because it is based on job title, not income, and is relatively easy to evade.
Shamokin Area School Board - Four incumbent school directors were defeated in a crowded, 13-candidate primary. Six candidates remain in the running for five seats. They are: Charles Shuey, Robert Getchey, Ronald McElwee and Bernard M. Sosnoskie, who won both Democratic and Republican nominations; Jeff Kashner, Republican, and incumbent Mark Anonia, Democrat.
Mount Carmel Area School Board - The race for five seats on the board will be decided among two incumbents, Mike Rovito and Robert E. Muldowney, who won both Democratic and Republican nominations; incumbent Judith McCollum, Republican; Raymond D. Kraynak, Democrat, whose father, Dr. Raymond Kraynak, is also a board member, and Thomas Ditchey and Michael P. Brinkash, both of whom also have Democratic and Republican nominations.
Coal Township - Four of five seats on the Coal Township Board of Commissioners are up for election. Gerard W. Waugh III, appointed to the board to succeed the late Albert Santor, is unopposed to serve the remaining two years of the term. Candidates for three four-year terms are Democrats Gene Welsh Jr. and George L. Zalar, both incumbents, and Bernie Rumberger, and Republicans Paul M. Leshinskie and Walter N. Quade.
Shamokin - Two seats are up on Shamokin City Council, with incumbent Democrats William Milbrand and R. Craig Rhoades, and Republican Betsy Richardson, a former council member, on the ballot.
Mount Carmel Borough - The Mount Carmel Borough Council campaign seemed to be wrapped up in May with Joseph Lapotsky and incumbents Leroy (Chico) Moser and Gary Hixson Jr. winning not only Democratic nominations but Republican nominations via write-in votes. With the addition of independent candidates Scott R. Bolick and Edward M. Ososkie to the ballot, however, the race is no longer "cut and dried."
Kulpmont Borough Council - Democratic candidates for three seats on Kulpmont Borough Council are incumbent Philip R. Scicchitano, nominated in the primary, and Stephanie A. Niglio and Nicholas M. Bozza, who were named by the county Democratic committee to fill open ballot slots. Republican candidates are Robert Bechtel and James L. Cipriani.
Magisterial district judge, Sunbury area - One of the most interesting general election races in the county features two candidates, Democrat Kymberly Best and Republican Benjamin Apfelbaum, who were picked not by primary election voters but by their respective political parties. Best and Apfelbaum were selected to run for the position following the sudden death in July of incumbent Carl Rice, who had been renominated in May in both parties without opposition.