by justin strawser
SHAMOKIN - More than 70 people, including 19 Democratic candidates, packed the Shamokin Knights of Columbus Tuesday night for a "meet the candidates" event hosted by the Shamokin Area Democrat Women.
Of the four Democratic candidates for Northumberland County commissioner, all but one - Dodie Lovett - was present to give a small speech and talk to the public.
Board of Commissioners Chairman Frank Sawicki presented a campaign card that he created when he ran for election the first time in 2003, which identified his number one goal as restoring fiscal responsibility.
Sawicki said that goal is being accomplished, with bonds refinanced and leases renegotiated, among other important changes.
Incumbent Vinny Clausi didn't spend much time in front of the crowd, saying his record speaks for itself and he seeks the support of the voters.
Kulpmont Mayor Myron Turlis said the county is facing harsh times dealing with budget problems and deficits. His first priority will be to address these problems.
He also wants to address 911 center issues, improve the working environment and the relationship between the administration and employees and resolve county lawsuits.
County offices
District Attorney Tony Rosini, who is running unopposed in the primary election, praised his staff for working hard as case loads increase.
Sheriff Chad A. Reiner, also unopposed in the Democratic primary, also praised his staff for dealing with increased work loads. He said he is most proud of the K-9 program which was instituted several years ago and has taken more than $25,000 worth of drugs off the streets in two years.
Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones said his case loads are also rising.
Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III is running unopposed.
He encouraged the voters to not hold grudges if their favorite candidate didn't win, and to support all the Democratic candidates.
Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Director Sandy Winhofer, who has no opposition in the primary election for county treasurer, said she has been involved in politics and community projects before, but never ran for public office.
She said she is qualified for the position and was born and raised in the county.
Municipalities
In the Shamokin City Council race, William D. Milbrand, who will run for re-election unopposed, asked for everyone's support for himself and fellow Democratic Councilman R. Craig Rhoades.
He said there's been tough financial times in the city and with hard work, he expects the city will pull through.
In the Coal Township Board of Commissioners race, incumbent Commissioner George Zalar said the board has done its best for the community, and the township is making positive strides.
He encouraged the party to unite together and "be Democrat."
Incumbent Commissioner Gerard W. Waugh III, who was appointed last year when Chairman Albert Santor passed away, said he hit the ground running when he came aboard, working hard with the township recreation initiative.
Newcomer Renee Gembic Snyder, who is running against Waugh, said she wants to give back to the community after getting from the community for years.
A resident of Springfield, she wants to work toward stopping the property damage and horrible conditions left by construction crews working on the Shamokin-Coal Township Municipal Authority's storm water separation project.
She noted she may not always be able to fix the problems, but promised she will do everything possible to help.
Candidates for Shamokin Area School Board also addressed the audience at Tuesday's 'meet the candidates' event. Coverage of their speeches will appear in a future edition of The News-Item.