COAL TOWNSHIP - Mark Anonia, the only incumbent winner in Tuesday's primary election for Shamokin Area School Board, said he was surprised that the four other incumbents lost.
While that means people want change, Anonia said, he points out that all 13 candidates had their share of votes.
"This was a vote that was very, very spread out," he said.
Anonia, who won one of five Democratic nominations and will be among six candidates seeking five positions in the Nov. 8 general election, was sought Wednesday for comment for a story in Thursday's edition, but work constraints prevented him from making contact with The News-Item. These comments were obtained Thursday.
Anonia said he was surprised by the loss of Charles L. Carpenter, Todd L. Hockenbroch, Barry Rebuck and Daniel K. Venn because of the strong numbers they had in winning election four years ago.
"What this does say for the voters is what it says for the area: People in this area want diversity and that is how they voted," he said. "This is why the others who did not make it still did so well."
Anonia said he'll remain independent and willing to listen to different views.
"I have spoken at meetings and questioned items in a way that has always been independent of others," he said.
As for the new board later this year - which could include four or five new members, depending on whether Anonia wins in November - he said there will obviously be change.
"They (new members) naturally will have their own views on policy, budget issues and their own concerns," he said. "What that will be, I do not know, but it will mean change in direction from the way business has been done."