Editor's note: One in a series of interviews with the 11 candidates for Northumberland County commissioner.
SHAMOKIN - Improvements to the Northumberland County 911 Center, developing a better working relationship between administrators and employees and establishing transparency in county government are among the top priorities for county commissioner candidate and Kulpmont Mayor Myron Turlis.
"People deserve better representation in county government," Turlis said during a recent interview. "There needs to be a better working relationship between administrators and employees, because the current working environment is hostile. I believe if employees have a problem, they should address it with their immediate supervisor first and then go to the commissioners if they aren't satisfied."
He also said the commissioners need to establish a better dialogue with department heads.
Turlis, who unsuccessfully ran for state representative in the 107th Legislative District in last year's primary election, is hoping for better results this time around. He is one of four Democratic candidates on the primary ticket, from which two will be nominated to run in the general election.
He has served as Kulpmont mayor since January 2010 and previously was a member of borough council for seven years. He also serves on the Kulpmont-Marion Heights Joint Municipal Authority.
Turlis said he is dismayed at the number of lawsuits filed against the county in recent years and would work hard to eliminate frivolous spending to defend the suits if elected commissioner.
"The county needs to use in-house attorneys instead of paying for outside counsel," he said.
"Transparency is necessary on all levels of government and definitely is needed in the county," he said. "The administration should be watched closely by the electorate."
Evening meetings
Turlis also advocates holding commissioner meetings in the evening in different parts of the county instead of the afternoon sessions currently held at the county administration center in Sunbury so more residents could attend and express their opinions on various issues. The commissioners did meet in the evening at Shamokin Area Middle-High School for one March meeting.
"I believe it's valuable for county taxpayers to have a say in matters approved by the commissioners," he said. "It's their (taxpayers) money the commissioners are spending."
Turlis said commissioners should seek ways to retain as many good employees as possible instead of instituting layoffs or terminating workers, unless certain conditions require those actions.
Turlis, a former fire chief in Kulpmont, believes making improvements to the county's 911 center is a top priority.
"Money is going to have to be spent to make improvements at the 911 center," Turlis said. "There are serious problems that need to be corrected quickly. You are talking about life and death issues when it comes to dispatching. The people who work at the 911 center have major responsibilities."
Turlis said county commissioners need to be mindful of the state and federal budgets when making financial decisions. "I believe in taking a pro-active rather than a reactive approach to issues," he said. "I realize the lack of state and federal funding could lead to financial cuts in some programs."
If elected commissioner, Turlis said he would push to hire the most qualified candidates for any job openings instead of making "political hires."
Business, borough experience
Turlis, who has served as owner of Turlis Sewer and Drain Cleaning for 26 years, said, "I have interacted with the general public for more than 25 years as a businessman and I understand their problems. I believe I have the ability to reason with people."
If elected commissioner, the 54-year-old Kulpmont resident said he would work aggressively with the local chambers of commerce, KETEC and SEDA-COG to attract new industry in the county, while maintaining existing businesses.
"Northumberland County has a lot of good things to offer," he said. "But there is too much negativity going on with county government right now, and that's unfair to the citizens."
As a borough councilman, Turlis said he was most proud of convincing council to purchase a loader-backhoe to conduct winter maintenance, road and drainage repairs. "Instead of paying sub-contractors to do that work, we were able to save a lot of money over the years by purchasing our own equipment, which paid for itself in one or two years," he said.
Turlis said the borough's recycling program has grown over the years, which benefits the residents and environment.
He said various parking concerns also have been addressed during his years on council.
Small campaign
As for campaigning, Turlis said, "I'm running a small campaign like I did when I ran for state legislator. I don't have as many financial resources as some of the other commissioner candidates, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to campaign as hard as those people. I plan on going door-to-door in all parts of the county and tell people what I'm all about."
Turlis admits name recognition is important in any election, but doesn't guarantee victory to a candidate. He believes it's vital for all candidates to avoid running "dirty" campaigns.
"I like working with and helping people," Turlis said. "Northumberland County is a great place to work, live and raise a family. If elected, I promise hard work, honesty and integrity."
If successful running as an independent Democrat in the primary election, Turlis said he would like to "team up" with another Democratic candidate in the general election.