Election Guide 2015

The Bradford (Pa.) Era, Primary Election Guide 2015 — 1

Election Guide 2015

Seven vying for McKean District Attorney candidates vie for nod Stephanie Co. Commissioner seats Vettenburg-Shaffer Seven candidates are vying for their party’s nomination for McKean County Commissioner in Tuesday’s primary election.

Two Democrats and two Republicans will be chosen in the primary to compete for three four-year terms in the fall general election.

Incumbent Cliff Lane of Turtlepoint and former commis-

sioner Judy Church of Smethport are the only two Democratic candidates. Therefore, both will be on the November ballot.

On the Republican side, incumbent Al Pingie of Bradford faces challenges from candidates Don Cummins of Bradford, John Vinelli of Bradford, Leroy “Butch” Schaffer of Port Allegany and Carol Duffy of Smethport.

Judith R. Church

Judith R. Church term: Jail expansion is seeking one of that can now house two Democrat inmates from other nominations for counties generating McKean County over $324,000.00 Commissioner in the annually; restoring primary election. the Old County Home She is retired from buildings; installation the Commonwealth of of fiber optic loop; Pennsylvania after 20 reduced high paying CHURCH years of service, servpositions saving the ing in the Department county thousands of of Revenue for 10 years and dollars.

Department of Auditor General “I have a proven record of for 10 years. getting things done. I feel I She has been a McKean possess the following qualities County Fair Board member for to best represent the residents more than 13 years, a member of of McKean County: Integrity, the McKean County Historical dedication, common sense and Society, a volunteer worker leadership. I would like to ask at the Old Jail Museum and a for your vote and to assure you member of the McKean County when elected I will serve the Democratic Committee for more county in the best interest of the than 45 years. residents.”

“McKean County needs a A McKean County native, strong voice to make govern- Church has been married to Leo ment more effective, efficient Church for over 40 years. They and accessible. I am that voice. live in Smethport.

“My plan for the future is to She has a business degree run county business in the best from Sharon Business Institute, interest of the residents. I will Sharon. maintain an open-door policy. I “I loved being your commiswill strive to achieve a responsi- sioner, and I would be honored ble budget; it is your money and to do it again. The right to vote I will use it wisely,” she says. is a privilege. Please exercise She continues, “Some of the that right on May 19, 2015,” accomplishments from my last she says.

Don Cummins

Don Cummins schools, our volunis seeking one of teer and social orgatwo Republican nizations and our recnominations for reational and tourism McKean County industries.

Commissioner in the “As we focus upcoming primary on the good things election. in McKean County, “Being in public we must also collecoffice, regardless tively prepare a stratCUMMINS of title or position, egy to address the gives you a voice, a not-so-good areas, platform to present new ideas including drugs, child abuse, and improve on existing poli- welfare abuse, blight, housing cies, programs and procedures. stock and employment opporIt also gives others a voice, tunities. Let’s get started and through you, if you are will- make McKean County the best ing to listen and appreciate the that it can be,” he says. opinions and concerns of the A Bradford native, Cummins citizenry,” he says. has been in the construction He continues: “So many industry for more than 40 years. people I have spoken to feel He is married to Debra, and that no one listens, no one cares. they have four children and five I do and I will. I am running grandchildren. for public office, not private In the past, he served as chairoffice. I believe in transparency. man of the Bradford Township I believe in conversation and Board of Supervisors, chairdebate. I believe in allowing the man of the Bradford Township citizens to voice their opinion Sanitary Authority, communiregardless of its content or rel- ty board member of the CEM evance.

(Cameron-Elk-McKean) Mental “They just want a chance Health and Mental Retardation to be heard and the solace that Board. He is chairman of the someone is listening. I will Bradford Township Planning give them that chance. I believe Commission, president of C1 McKean County can do much 2000, president of C31 Inc. and better. I envision a countywide president of the Kinzua Valley initiative to clean up, fix up and Trail Club. stand up for all that is good in “I would appreciate your McKean County. This includes vote, #1 on the ballot, May 19, our industry, our workforce, our 2015,” he says.

(See COMMISSIONERS, Page 9)

Incumbent McKean County District Attorney Raymond Learn will face a challenge from Bradford attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer in next week’s primary election.

Both are Republicans. The District Attorney’s position is a four-year term.

Ray Learn

I am Raymond Learn, and I have served as the District Attorney for McKean County for over five years, beginning in 2010.

Prior to being the elected District Attorney, I was a fullLEARN time assistant district attorney in for 2 1/2 years. My nearly eight years of experience vigorously prosecuting cases in our county makes me uniquely qualified for the position of District Attorney.

As the chief law enforcement officer for the county, I have reviewed nearly every one of the over 3,200 criminal cases filed in McKean County in the past five years. I have been active in community outreach with programs for students regarding making safe choices and the consequences of juvenile crime. I have developed and presented a drug recognition training program for parents, teachers, and others who

work with young people to better educate them on identifying the signs of drug use.

I have expanded the work of the McKean County Drug Task Force with great success.

In five years we have removed hundreds of thousands of dollars in heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, narcotic pills, and bath salts from the streets, and seized over $40,000 in cash and assets. I have done this while maintaining fiscal responsibility and a focus on justice. If re-elected, it is my pledge to continue to vigorously fight crime for the citizens of McKean County.

I am endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police William Hanley Sr. Lodge #67 comprised of officers from the City of Bradford, Bradford Township, and Foster Township Police Departments.

As a husband and father of two young children, I have a vital interest in the safety and security of our community. I am co-chairman of the McKean County Criminal Justice Advisory Board, an advisory board member for the McKean County Children’s Advocacy Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters, and a board member for the Bradford Township Lions Club. I am also an active member of the Bradford Exchange Club, Keating Sportsman’s Association, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, and a volunteer hunter education instructor.

I would be honored to receive your vote on May 19th.

Bradford attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer is seeking the Republican nomination for the office of McKean County District Attorney.

Shaffer explained that since Jan. 1, 2013, the county has had a low conviction rate for sex crimes, with nearly 80 percent of defendants found not guilty of all charges or of the most serious charges. Many voters believe it is time for a change in the District SHAFFER

Attorney’s office.

In 2014, 58 percent of defendants who went to trial in McKean County were found not guilty of all charges, or of the most serious charges.

“If elected, I would reverse the trend of assigning more than 80 percent of trials to two less experienced assistant prosecutors,” she said.

“Failed prosecutions have betrayed victims and squandered good police work.

Our county needs a District Attorney that will try more than just a handful of cases each year. We need a District Attorney’s office that thoroughly investigates, accurately

evaluates — and timely prepares — its cases. We need an active — and successful — trial District Attorney,” Shaffer said.

“I am the most experienced candidate for District Attorney. I have personally handled thousands of cases, including criminal cases, and have advocated for children as a caseworker, foster care coordinator and attorney,” she said.

“I have the energy, the commitment to exacting preparation, and the experience necessary to secure more convictions and to ensure your safety and that of your family.”

“I ask you to help me reform the District Attorney’s office for the benefit of all law-abiding citizens,” she said.

Shaffer has practiced law in McKean County for 11 years. She is a partner in the law firm of Clarke & Shaffer, LLP. Since 2006, she has been appointed, by the court, to be the McKean County Guardian Ad Litem with responsibility for representing the welfare of the county’s dependent children. Since 2007, she has been the Special Assistant Public Defender of McKean County with responsibility for representing the county’s indigent criminal defendants. She is also a certified mediator.

She and her husband Brian reside in Foster Township.

She said, “I would be honored to receive your vote on May 19th.”

Duo seeks GOP nod for McKean Co. sheriff Two candidates are seeking the Republican nod for a twoyear term as McKean County sheriff.

Smethport resident Dan Woods and Bradford resident Hiel “Butch” Bartlett will face off in the primary.

Woods is a retired state trooper and currently works as a deputy sheriff. Bartlett is a Bradford City Police officer and the school resource officer for Bradford Area High School.

The sheriff’s position was vacated in July 2014 by the resignation of Bradley Mason, who is facing criminal charges of corruption of minors for an alleged sexual relationship with a 17year-old girl.

Since Mason’s resignation, the position has been held by Jim Sharer, a retired state trooper who served as Mason’s chief deputy.

Hiel ‘Butch’ Bartlett

I, Hiel “Butch” Bartlett, am seeking the Republican nomination for McKean County Sheriff.

I have BARTLETT been a member of the law enforcement community for close to 20 years, serving in many capacities, including Patrolman, Detective for the City of Bradford, a member of the McKean County Drug

Task Force and School Resource Officer for the Bradford Area School District. My broadbased and unique experience has afforded me the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the workings of law enforcement.

I would like to restore the honesty and integrity to the office that it demands and that the people of McKean County deserve.

My vision for both the Sheriff’s Department and the County Jail is to move them into a more progressive, public serving, fiscally responsible county agency.

I pledge to you, that as McKean County Sheriff, I will: • Be a full-time Sheriff and play an active role in YOUR Sheriff’s Department • Operate the jail to run as a Correctional Facility, not the hotel or summer camp that some former inmates have experienced.

• Ensure the taxpayer dollars that fund the largest department in the county are spent responsibly and with scrutiny.

• Protect your Second Amendment rights with diligence and fervor.

• Be fair but firm when dealing with the inmate population.

• And lastly, and most importantly, protect McKean County’s greatest treasure, its children, who may not be able to protect themselves from those who mean them harm, through the introduction of School Resource Officer programs in schools countywide.

I will be honored and humbled to be elected as your next McKean County Sheriff and will represent the office with integrity, accountability, responsibility and honesty.

I will be a dedicated and diligent Sheriff that will work hand in hand with all Law Enforcement Departments in the County to keep the residents of McKean County safe. You can rest assured that under my watch, McKean County will be a safer place to live, work, raise your family and retire, on this you have my word.

I kindly and respectfully ask for your support and your vote on May 19th.

Dan Woods

My name is Dan Woods and I am a Republican candidate for McKean County Sheriff.

My platform of “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” may seem simple, but it’s not. What I am trying to convey is that our well-trained staff at both the Sheriff’s Office and the jail WOODS are doing great work, and things are already running smoothly. A major example would be that the jail has passed its last three inspections with flying colors. A state inspector who has looked at 60+ jails, stated

ours is “second to none.” A study done by a UPB professor found that our jail is way ahead of most jails in the state with programs for inmates and was also acknowledged for the cleanliness, interaction between staff and inmates, the respect the inmates have for the staff, and the positive behavior of the inmates.

What I would like to do is continue on the path that we are traveling while always looking for better ways to serve the people of McKean County and save the taxpayers money. I am very open minded and will always be willing to listen to, and consider new ideas. I am a firm believer in the 2nd Amendment and I plan to continue issuing pistol permits in the manner that it is currently done.

What I bring is both life and law enforcement experiences. I am an honest family man and have been married for almost 30 years with two daughters. During my time in the Air Force and while working with the Pennsylvania State Police, I have dealt with many different types of people, and took on many responsibilities, including making challenging decisions that affected peoples’ lives. I did this while constantly maintaining professionalism and others’ trust.

I retired from the state police and immediately went to work for the Sheriff’s Office as a deputy.

I knew it was important to go to work there where I could see the day-to-day operations of the facility, in order to run for Sheriff.

On May 19th, please vote Dan Woods for McKean County Sheriff. Thank You!

Riel, Berg seek GOP nomination for City of Bradford Mayor Incumbent Bradford City Mayor Tom Riel is facing a challenge from Paul Berg in next week’s primary election.

Both are Republicans. The mayor’s term is four years.

Tom Riel

City of Bradford Mayor Tom Riel, a Republican, is seeking a third term in office.

“It has been a pleasure to serve as mayor and I have always been humbled by the continued support of city residents who have repeatedly entrusted me with the ability to work with city council to make tough decisions on their behalf during some very difficult finan-

cial times,” Riel said.

“The city was pretty much a sinking ship when I was first elected mayor, but RIEL through teamwork we have stopped the leaks and gotten it headed in the right direction. A lot of progress has been made in the past 7 plus years, but there is still much more work to be done.”

Positive changes made during Riel’s tenure include the following: The city has budgeted funds

for paving instead of relying on remaining liquid fuels funding and for maintenance of city buildings; raised funds for numerous improvements to the police station and police equipment; placed all city employees on same health care plan and raised employee contributions; eliminated guaranteed overtime; reduced the number of city employees and began using temporary and parttime workers; hired a chief financial officer which has increased city revenues; created a property maintenance department; and constructed new homes to begin to rebuild the tax base.

(See RIEL, Page 9)

Paul Berg

Paul Berg is seeking the Republican party’s nod for mayor of Bradford, saying he hopes to “put Bradford back on its feet again, so people can look forward to the future and see hope and happiness as opposed to fear and despair.”

Berg adds, “It is my hope to bring the citizens of Bradford together. To know your cops and council people by name. To have us all be seen as an asset and helping entity, rather than a dark force responsible for only tickets and taxing. This also falls on the citizens themselves to again

take pride in their homes and neighborhoods, to look out for one another, to pitch in and help to achieve the BERG community we all so badly want. Government cannot dictate caring, concern for others and volunteerism. It cannot rule human nature, but we can help build a community more conducive to the enjoyment of life.

He adds, “I’m not sure what qualifies me more than the next

guy, except that I truly want to make a difference. As I have said, I am now 62 years old and have no illusions of a great political career, just a small victory in the betterment of this city.

He continues, “I have worked hard all my life and as a friend said ‘I do my homework.’ When I undertake something I give it 100 percent. People who have worked with me or know me well know this. I always set my goals to be the best at whatever I undertake, be it running, fishing, firefighting, EMT, fatherhood, turkey hunting, rebuilding my home after it burned.

(See BERG, Page 9)

2 — The Bradford (Pa.) Era, Primary Election Guide 2015

Three vie for Bradford Township supervisor position Three local men will vie for a spot on the Republican ballot for a six-year term as Bradford Township supervisor in the May 19 primary election.

James Erwin Incumbent Republican James Erwin of 154 Gates Hollow has been challenged by Bob Cummins of 184 Songbird Road and Richard D. Yovichin II of 662 South Ave., also Republicans.

Erwin pointed to his experience as a supervisor and contractor, as well as his moneysaving initiatives, as reasons he should be re-elected, saying: “I have been a township supervisor for 17 years between Corydon and Bradford townships. In that time, I have met many public officials and have shared many good and interesting ideas.

“Currently, I am the president of the McKean County Association of Township Supervisors. I have been a public servant for the past 25 years serving as a supervisor and a police officer. Now that I have retired from police work, I

have time to invest with Bradford Township as your supervisor. “ A s a selfemployed contractor, ERWIN I have valuable experience in road, sewer and bridge work. By utilizing this experience at the township level, I was able to save the taxpayers money. I have done this by collaborating with local townships and by undertaking projects using township labor versus outsourcing.

“Under my direction, we replaced our first bridge in 2014 using township labor and a preconstructed bridge. Using new ideas, the project turned out very well and saved the taxpayers considerable money.

“We also completed an experimental paving project on West Corydon Street, once again saving money. Once testing is done, we will pave other sections of the roadway. We recently established a long-term

plan to repair or replace many deficient bridges before they risk public safety.

“As we move forward, we must look for new sources of money and innovative ideas to keep Bradford Township the best municipality in Pennsylvania to live and work.

We must strive to secure jobs and entice our young people to remain in Bradford and to raise their families here.

“I believe what I have accomplished in my first term in office demonstrates my dedication and commitment to implement and invest in projects that are completed both timely and cost effectively and overall with the taxpayers best interest in mind.

I would appreciate your vote on May 19.”

Rick Yovichin Contender Rick Yovichin said he is seeking the office to address wasteful spending, increase efficiency and bring a fresh approach to township government. He states: “If I am elected, I will employ an open-door policy and promote transparency, hon-

esty and open communication with township residents.

“I want to hear your problems, and YOVICHIN work with you to find solutions. Some of the ideas that I would like to implement are: keep township residents informed and ‘in the loop’ with a quarterly newsletter; pursue grants and cut wasteful spending of taxpayer dollars; partner with other municipalities to save on equipment, expenses and manpower; and eliminate employee downtime by assigning township infrastructure repairs and maintenance during slack periods.

“My background and qualifications include a career in federal law enforcement, membership in the Seneca law enforcement association, many years of experience in labor negotiations and 40-plus

years of building construction and masonry experience. I have also held seats on township and county zoning and recycling boards, and I am an active and regular member of my church.

“In closing, if elected, I promise to maintain the integrity and sovereignty of our township, and treat all township residents fairly and honestly. I am retired, and will be a full-time supervisor. I am the most qualified for this position, due to my background, my lack of a personal agenda and my desire to truly see our township prosper.”

Bob Cummins Bob Cummins, too, referred to his extensive experience and expressed his desire to give back to the community and help residents, saying: “I have been a resident of Bradford Township for 34 years.

I have been in the construction business for 44 years and have owned my own construction company for 38 years.

“I am president of Bob Cummins Construction, presi-

dent of M c K e a n C o u n t y Biodynamics and vice president of CBI, LLC. I have served the township proudly as a CUMMINS member of the vacancy board for many years.

“I am a firm believer in volunteering and giving back to the community which has so graciously supported me throughout the years.

“My business, negotiating and budgeting experience coupled with my diverse knowledge of the construction industry including roads, bridges, bonding, insurance as well as state, federal and municipal contracts and procedures are valuable assets, and I look forward to using my 40-plus years of experience to serve the residents of Bradford Township.

“I will be committed to pay attention to the interests of the residents, and I will endeavor to solve the problems that will arise throughout the term.”

Three seek Republican nod for McKean County register of wills Three people are seeking the Republican nomination for the seat of McKean County register of wills and clerk of orphans’ court.

Competing for Tuesday’s primary election are Jeanmarie A. McClure of Bradford, Wendy Yaros of Bradford and David Yoder of Smethport.

There are no candidates for the Democratic ticket. The winner will replace Harrijane Hannon Moore, who is not seeking re-election. The position is a four-year term.

Jeanmarie A. McClure

I am Jeanmarie A. McClure, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. My husband Bob and I live on East Main Street in Bradford. I am honored to be the Secretary of the McKean County Republican Party.

I am a hard-working woman.

For over 16 years, I have been MCCLURE employed as a paralegal specializing in estate and trust administration at McDowell, Wick, Daly, Gallup and Hauser — which has since become Gallup Law Offices.

The office specializes in estate planning, estate and trust administration, elder law, guardianships, and real estate law.

This is what I know inside and out — from the initial probate of a will or funding of a trust, to providing notice to the parties in interest, to preparing and filing the Inheritance Tax Return, the Income Tax Returns, and the First and Final Account for the Estate or Trust, to filing the final status report closing the Estate or Trust.

I also have extensive experience with guardianship proceedings and elder law matters.

Both in my professional and volunteer work, I have acquired advanced computer skills and modern office management techniques that will be great assets to the Register’s office and to the citizens of McKean County.

In any complex field, such as the law, practical experience is invaluable. I am the only candidate who has years of experience in the fields of estate and trust law, guardianships, and elder law. I have trained and worked with highly respected estate and trust attorneys including the Frederick W. Gallup and, now Judge, Christopher G. Hauser.

The Register’s office protects important personal and property rights of citizens. When you need the Register’s office, you and your family expect — and deserve — the most knowledgeable and professional service available. I have the knowledge, the ability, and the devotion that are necessary to best serve you and your family as Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court.

If elected your next Register of Wills, I promise I will perform the duties of my office with integrity and compassion and I will treat all citizens with dignity, courtesy and respect.

Wendy Yaros

McKean County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court’s First Deputy, Wendy Yaros, is seeking the Republican nomination for the office of McKean County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ YAROS Court in the primary May 19th.

Yaros, a Bradford native, graduated in 1985; and attended Jamestown Community College for business and computer science. She has been married to Joe Yaros for over 18 years. They have three children and one grandchild.

They are members of St. Francis Church in Bradford.

She has worked in the McKean County Courthouse for the past nine years, earning several different qualities

that help enhance her qualifications for the elected position of Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court.

The duties and responsibilities of the First Deputy are to provide service of probate proceedings, inheritance tax payments and marriage licenses, recording Orphans’ Court proceedings which include the filing of adoption and guardian documents along with covering the position of the current Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court, Harrijane Moore when she is unavailable. Other duties include the daily, weekly and monthly reports and all banking responsibilities of this office.

“Given the fact that my current job position is the First Deputy in the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court office one of my main points I would like to emphasize is the fact that all the people who are residents of McKean County have been my customers. I have been providing service to all of you

in my current position and have covered the elected position of the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court for the past seven weeks. I feel I have provided excellent customer satisfaction, to you my customers, during that entire time frame. When elected I will provide the residents of McKean County a full-time position and dedicate myself to the best interest of the Register of Wills/ Clerk of Orphans’ Court office.

“My firsthand knowledge and hands on experience are the best fit for a seamless transition of my election to the Register of Will and Clerk of Orphans’ Court.”

David Yoder

My name is David Yoder and I am a candidate for the office of McKean County Register of Wills & Clerk of the Orphan’s Court. I am a lifelong resident of McKean County, residing in Smethport with my wife of 40 years, the former Josephine Feit. A registered Republican throughout

my adult life, I take pride in supporting the party’s core conservative values.

I graduated from Lock Haven State College with a BA degree in Social Science, with a concentration in Political Science. I was hired and trained by Legal Services for Northwestern Pennsylvania as a paralegal, assisting the staff attorneys in the Bradford office with client intake, case preparation, and research.

In 1976 I was hired by the IU9 in Smethport to perform pre-vocational skill assessments. After completing teacher certification in Special Education, I taught in Cameron County for three years, transferring to Smethport in 1979.

I retired after 30 years of service in 2009. For the past four years I worked as a commercial driver for ATA. I have a flexibility derived from a variety of work experiences, with a work history that demonstrates dependability and high ethical standards.

Adapting to new employment experiences has been facilitated by an ability to get along

well with diverse groups of people and a willingness and desire to learn.

My work as a paralegal has familiarized me with the court system and its procedures.

Wo r k i n g as an educator has given me s t r o n g organizational, technical, and adminYODER istrative skills, as well as the experience to be an effective child advocate.

I believe I have the experience and background necessary to provide the citizens of McKean County the kind of dependable service needed to carry out the duties and responsibilities expected from the office of Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphan’s Court.

Please consider me when you vote in the Primary Election, May 19, 2015.

The Bradford (Pa.) Era, Primary Election Guide 2015 — 3

12 vie for Elk County Commissioner seats Tuesday Twelve candidates are running for their party’s nomination for seats on the Elk County Board of Commissioners in Tuesday’s primary election.

Two Democrats and two Republicans will be chosen in the primary to compete for three four-year terms in the fall general election.

Seeking the Democratic nomination are: Jeremy Rippey; Lyle H. Garner; Jeff Yetzer; Ron Beimel; Matthew G. Quesenberry Sr.; Karen Borza.

Seeking the Republican nomination are: Incumbents Dan Freeburg and Janis E. Kemmer, as well as Mason Catalone; Sally Geyer; Bob Howard; Jerry Willaman.

Willaman and Beimel were unable to be reached for this piece.

The three-member board of county commissioners constitutes the chief governing body of the county.

Statutory authority of the commissioners is both administrative and policy-making. The county commissioners are vested with selective policy-making authority to provide certain local services and facilities on a county-wide basis. Administrative powers and duties of county commissioners encompass registration and elections, assessment of persons and property, human services, emergency management, veterans’ affairs, appointment of county personnel and fiscal management.

Karen Borza Karen Borza is dents of this county seeking the Democratic ask a question they nomination for a seat on deserve an answer, as the Elk County Board quickly as possible. of Commissioners in “The county funds the May primary elecneed to be dispersed tion. without anyone’s perBorn and raised and sonal feelings being Centre County, Borza involved,” she said. is married with two “Safety and liability daughters. issues should always BORZA A graduate from be a priority. The jail Penn State with a is inadequate for the B.S. in Biology, she is a retired number of inmates that need to Pennsylvania State Trooper, hav- be housed. Consequently money ing worked for 27 years in the is being filtered out to other counPSP, achieving the rank of cor- ties to house our inmates. More poral. money is being spent to drive “I was an instructor at the PSP them back and forth for schedtraining academy in Hershey,” she said. “I served as the Community uled court dates. We need to look Services Unit supervisor for the at expanding our jail and instead department more than 10 years. of paying others to keep ours, get I was the supervisor/acting ser- money from other counties for us geant in charge of the profes- to keep theirs. I have observed sional development unit for a the county spending money for year. This experience and more inmate medical treatment. Our have helped me develop excellent inmates have learned they get management skills and abilities. I their medical expenses paid while am level headed and quick think- they are in jail and in turn don’t ing. I have worked as a part-time have to pay themselves when deputy for the Elk County Sheriff they are out. The only medical treatments the county should be for the last 2 years.”

She says the issues that need paying for are emergencies.”

She concludes, “Because of to be addressed are as follows: “There needs to be a more trans- my experience and training, I feel parent running of the commis- I am the right choice for county sioners’ offices. When the resi- commissioner.”

Mason Catalone Mason Catalone encourage economic is seeking the growth in order to, Republican nominanot only make the tion for a seat on the local economy thrive, Elk County Board of but increase the tax Commissioners in the base to prevent the May 19 primary. need to raise taxes in If elected, he plans the future. to propose that the “I’m a young “regular public meetentrepreneur who has ings be moved from tried various differCATALONE 10 a.m. to a time when ent occupations and citizens can come and I’ve experienced address the commissioners at a the downside of other’s hardregular meeting, to have meet- ship, especially in the service ings once a week instead of industry. I will graduate from monthly, and have each meeting I.U.P. with a degree in Political televised and streamed over the Science/Pre-Law this year. I’ve Internet, so those who aren’t attended many local governable to attend may observe.” ment meetings since I was in Catalone also said he wants high school and I keep up with to “ensure that the Hydraulic the affairs of each municipality Fracturing (oil and gas) industry and our county along with the doesn’t impede upon the avail- State and Federal levels. I’m ability of fresh water to those also a member of the St. Marys who rely on it in municipali- Rotary Club whose motto is ties where the commissioners ‘service above self’ and I’m have authority to legislate while the Sergeant-at-Arms of the working with the industry.

Elk County Toastmasters who “I would like to start aid- ‘… provide a supportive and ing local support groups and positive learning experience in law enforcement to combat the which members are empowered abuse of alcohol and narcotics to develop communication and by promoting community out- leadership skills…’ reach programs to push addicBecause of that, Catalone tion out by supporting people in believes “that helping others the fight against addiction. reach their goals and prosper is “I’d like to research options the only way that I can succeed to revitalize small businesses and in life.”

Dan Freeburg

Janis E. Kemmer

Janis E. Kemmer of the governed. I am is seeking re-eleca strong believer in tion to the Elk the Bill of Rights. Our County Board of founding fathers were Commissioners. brilliant, in that they Kemmer said her set up a form of govgoal as commissioner ernment that was of is to keep the county the people — from the “within the restraints bottom up, not from of the budget, to prothe top down. The vide needed services rights of the people KEMMER to our residents, to are protected by these improve our facilifirst 10 amendments: ties as necessary, while keeping The right to life, liberty and the the historical integrity of the pursuit of happiness. That is why property.”

I support the 1st amendment She added, “Act 13 fund- which gives us the freedom to ing has been very helpful in assemble, speak and worship as those necessary projects. We we please (this means freedom have adjusted county policies OF religion, not freedom FROM to bring them up to speed with religion; the 2nd amendment current employment trends. We gives people the right to defend have also used Act 13 funds to themselves, and, an armed citisupport county municipal proj- zenry is our defense against tyrects for the firemen, policemen, anny (gun control is not about ambulance associations, bridges, guns — it’s about control); the paving, sewage projects and 4th amendment because we have many other requests.” a right to be secure in our homes Kemmer said in serv- and against unreasonable searching her current term she has es; and the 10th amendment that taken “extended classes from the County Commissioners tells the federal government that Association of Pennsylvania the ruling power belongs in the (CCAP), and graduated from hands of the states.”

Kemmer touts a background their advanced curriculum,” addin business, work in township ing “They teach valuable classes in all aspects of county govern- government and at the St. Marys ment, utilizing experts in each Area School District, where she worked on budgets, transporfield to teach those classes.”

Lyle Garner “I believe in limited govern- tation, policy and personnel Lyle Garner is seekness owner himself for ment that includes the opinions issues. ing the Democratic the past 23 years, “I nomination for a seat on believe I bring a skill Matthew G. Quesenberry the Elk County Board set to the table that Matthew G. to the county on any of Commissioners in would be an asset to issues that would have the May 19 primary the commissioners Quesenberry Sr. is election. seeking the office a significant countyoffice, if elected.”

“My main goal is Elk County wide impact.

“Using my knowl- of to make Elk County “My qualifications edge and experience Commissioner as a more business friendly, include nearly twenty from being a small Democratic candidate to keep and create famyears of local governbusiness owner, being in the primary elecGARNER ily-sustaining jobs, and ment experience that open-minded and will- tion. work with the other “As the Elk County offers a tremendous ing to share ideas with two commissioners on making Commissioner the advantage in knowothers, and having the drive and simplistic, complex, and sensible most important goal ing the people and decisions that would benefit the determination to make the right is to keep revenues QUESENBERRY the operations of Elk decisions to benefit Elk County, county as a whole,” Garner said.

County. I have had Garner views small businesses I feel that these attributes make and expenditures balanced,” he said, adding, “The the privilege of working with as the backbone of the American me the ideal candidate for County county will need to support a local officials and community Commissioner.” economy and said, as a small busistrong and professional work- leaders in all of Elk County’s Sally Geyer force, maintain several buildings, 12 municipalities. I am familand be mindful of investments, iar with state organizations and Sally Geyer is runbe easy because this such as technology, that will state agency officials and would ning for Elk County is a powdered metalCommissioner, seeking based county, and that keep Elk County competitive. be prepared to engage whoever the Republican party’s is still a good thing, but However, it is imperative to real- was necessary on day one to get nomination in the May reaching out to other ize the taxpayer alone cannot Elk County moving in a forward 19 primary election. industries. We have a shoulder this entire burden. I direction.

“In this job one of my favorite If elected, Geyer clean shot from I-80 will work with the departments said she “would work for truck traffic and to streamline operations, and I quotes I try and follow is ‘if you to build a bigger tax that is a good thing.” will continue to meet with state can’t find a door, find a window.’ base,” adding “This Geyer says she’s officials to advocate for budget I have spent the last two decades is one of the biggest qualified for the job of appropriations or grants which demonstrating my ability to work GEYER issues in the county.” commissioner, having can be used to mitigate our collaboratively with all types She adds, “Students served as mayor of St. costs. of people and personalities to go away to college and don’t come Marys for 8 years and now 2 years “Another goal would be to achieve common goals. I have back. People move south when on City Council there. expand community relations. the right disposition to navigate they retire. The base is becoming She said, “I learned to listen For example, having at least one the bureaucracy while staying more and more seniors on fixed and work with groups and how to commissioner visit communities focused on the needs of the peoincomes.” spread the money where it did the to allow a greater understand- ple and the communities. Given In rebuilding the base, Geyer most good,” adding “If you want to ing of the county operations and the chance I intend to govern as says she would work to “create see the future of Elk County, look to listen to any local needs. I a representative to the people of diversity in jobs,” adding “It won’t to the past of the candidates.” would consider putting together Elk County and work together a volunteer community advisory with you as much as possible to Bob Howard board that would offer guidance build a better county.”

Bob Howard is I have been a Benezette Jeremy Rippey seeking the Republican Township Supervisor, party’s nominaa three-term Mayor of Jeremy Rippey is business owner for the tion for a seat on the Ridgway and I am cur- seeking the Republican past fifteen years, he Elk County Board of rently Mayor of the City nomination for a seat on has gained experience Commissioners in of St. Marys. I also have the Elk County Board with tourism firsthand the May 19 primary, had over thirty years of of Commissioners in and built relationships saying if elected he business experience the May 19 primary, with other tourismwill “Provide more in upper management citing “a proven track dependent business accessibility to the positions.” record, as a township owners.

Commissioner’s Office He concludes by supervisor (Jay Twp.), “I also know what HOWARD for the citizens of Elk saying “I feel my prov- of keeping spending it means to make it County” and “would en governmental and under control, accounton a tight budget, plan RIPPEY accomplish this by making a firm business experience well qualifies ability and planning for for the highs and lows commitment to accept this as a me for this position. I am commit- the long term.” and work long hours,” full-time position.” ted to dedicate this experience to As president of the Elk County he says.

He adds, “I am qualified for this the benefit of the fine citizens of Association of Township Officials, “I took that leap of faith after position due to my extensive gov- Elk County and further commit to Rippey says the experience has college and invested my future in ernment and business background. always be accessible.” allowed him to become famil- Elk County because I believe it iar with each municipality in the is a great place to live, work, and county and its leadership. raise a family. I believe I am the He says as commissioner, “My most well-rounded candidate in goals would include finding new the race: I am a lifelong resident, ways to retain college graduates, a Penn State graduate, township developing entrepreneurial oppor- supervisor, and small business tunities, educating our high school owner. I believe in common sense, students on careers available in accountability and hard work. I our area and improving the pro- am committed to the future of motion of tourism. I will support Elk County and believe in what the current efforts being made and we have to offer to our residents add my influence to expand upon and those who want to visit here. those efforts.”

Elk County needs leadership that Rippey says that as a small shares the values of its people.”

Dan Freeburg ment continues into the is seeking a fourth future so that my own term as Elk County children have a start Commissioner, on and opportunity to live Republican ballots here and prosper, and May 19, saying he then contribute to their hopes to “continue staown communities and bility in the way our society when it is their county government is turn.” administered.”

Freeburg said his He adds, “The qualifications include FREEBURG hardworking families being a “cum laude of Elk County deserve graduate of The a board that works together to get University of Pittsburgh, and, the job done for the people, and more importantly, 26 years of one that delivers professional, effi- working for the public, under the cient and effective management scrutiny of the public eye, in Elk of their tax dollars in a trustful County government.” relationship.

He adds, “I know Elk County “That means that those resi- ‘inside and out’ and am very dents can go about their working proud to consider myself, and lives and take care of their families to be considered, a ‘regular’ guy and responsibilities without hav- who is approachable, accessible ing to worry if the people in the at all times, and has roots and a courthouse are doing their jobs vested interest in the people of Elk right and, in doing so, looking out County. for the best interests of all citizens, “As part of my commitment to old and young alike. the taxpayer, I accept no fringes “This includes the continued beyond my salary such as reimadministration of Veterans Affairs, bursement for cell phone, business Social Services, Community and travel or meals, and do not receive Economic Development and the county’s health insurance and countless other responsibilities benefits. that we are involved in, which we “I believe that the present comdo efficiently to keep taxes as low missioners’ track record has been as possible. In line with this, I am extremely successful, and we have running again to ensure this pro- earned the trust of the voters and fessional and accountable manage- taxpayers.”

(See ELK, Page 9)

4 — The Bradford (Pa.) Era, Primary Election Guide 2015

Four seeking Elk County sheriff’s seat nomination Four candidates are seeking their party’s nomination for a four-year term as Elk County Sheriff.

Sheriff Jeff Krieg retired in December. Since then, chief deputy Theresa Merritt has been acting sheriff since he stepped down.

Merritt, a Democrat, is the sole Democratic candidate, which means she will appear on the Democratic ballot in the November general election.

Republicans seeking the party’s nomination are Marty Rosenfeld, Todd Caltagarone and Dale Ellis.

Ellis did not submit a photo or write-up to The Era regarding his candidacy.

Todd Caltagarone

Todd Caltagarone is seeking the Republican Party’s nomination for Elk County Sheriff in the primary election, saying if elected, “It is my objective to give the people of Elk County a Sheriff’s Department that they deserve.”

He adds, “I have the experience and background to bring credibility, respect, and accountability to the office.

If elected, he plans on “conducting a complete review of processes, systems, procedures, and policies to see what we can do to improve efficiency and the best use of tax dollars. Proper fiscal management is one of

those things at the top of my list in terms of good stewardship. It will take ethical leadership, which m e a n s doing the right thing.

I have received t h e endorsement of the F r a t e r n a l CALTAGARONE Order of Police, Bucktail Lodge #96 who support the objectives that I have set out.”

Caltagarone says he brings experience to the job, including “nearly 28 years of law enforcement experience to draw from with 11 of those years in executive management and leadership.”

He adds, “My personal experience ranges from patrol function to major case investigation with specialized training in areas of criminal investigation, interviewing and interrogation, and presenting programs such D.A.R.E. I have a wide range of experience, training, and education in the area of management and leadership. That includes a human resource function in managing people, preparing work schedules, budget formulation, discipline and recogni-

tion. My involvement within the community via volunteerism and serving on several boards has given me a well-rounded perspective on the socio-demographic nature and needs of the citizens of Elk County.

“I have earned a graduate certificate in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership, an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Studies, have completed numerous studies and research towards the completion of Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice/Public Administration, and am a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Caltagarone believes he’s the best choice due to his “background, experience, education, and training.”

Caltagarone is currently serving as police chief in St. Marys and interim city manager.

Theresa Merritt

Theresa Merritt is seeking the Democratic nomination for Elk County Sheriff in the May 19 primary.

As acting sheriff and a longtime member of the department, Merritt says, “I have already accomplished several things I set for immediate goals since taking office. We have streamlined the pistol permit application process for quicker turnaround times. We have received bullet-resistant vests and also

outfitted the office with matching more professional uniforms.

We have hired new personnel to help facilitate the amount of civil process, court time and transports. In the future I hope to make the processMERRITT ing of our paperwork faster and easier and to continue to improve our services.”

In explaining her qualifications, Merritt says, “I have been with the Sheriff’s Office since 1995. In my career I have held every position in the office. I graduated from both the police academy and sheriff’s academy and have all continuing education from each. I also hold 25 specialized certifications that pertain to the office. I am also the only candidate running who is already certified to be Sheriff and needs no further schooling or qualifications.

“I believe you should vote for me not only because I am more than qualified and ready to continue to serve, but because this is not just another job for me. This has been my career.

I have served the citizens of Elk County since 1995 and am

looking forward to the opportu- role in assisting other local and nity to continue to do so.” state law enforcement agencies with drug prevention and Marty Rosenfeld will become Marty Rosenfeld is seeking more visthe Republican party’s nomi- ible to the nation for Elk County Sheriff, residents of saying “I am running for sheriff Elk County. because I strongly believe I am I would also the right person for this posi- like to estabtion. I would like to make this lish some a full-time position again and f i n a n c i a l have a more visible presence in programs to Elk County. The past sheriffs help fund have had a hard time meeting the Sheriff’s ROSENFELD the budgets set for them on a Department yearly basis. I believe that my so that it will not have to solely accounting background would rely on the taxpayer money to be an asset in helping the com- function.” missioners in forecasting the Rosenfeld touts his “diversiSheriff’s Department needs for fied background” as the owner the years to come.” of multiple businesses, includHe adds, “I am not looking ing a private investigation for a one-term job but hope to agency, and criminal justice, build the sheriff’s office over accounting and business manthe next 8 to 12 years. My agement training. goals for the office will be to He says Elk County’s growre-establish a strong working ing drug culture and a lack of partnership with the commis- funding for most community sioners as well as rebuilding programs are “causing many teamwork, trust and respect to feel that they are not getting within the office. I plan to set enough services for their tax up public firearm classes, safety dollars.” programs for the general public “This is why I feel the and school systems. Scheduling Sheriff’s Department has to more training programs for con- become more involved with cealed carry permit holders and the public. The people of becoming the Certified Law Elk County need to see that Enforcement Instructor for the Sheriff’s Office is working for Sheriff’s Department are also on them and I plan to make that my agenda. I will take a larger happen.”

Record number of Americans can register online, vote early

WASHINGTON (AP) — Oh, how times have changed since the days of punch card ballots and hanging chads.

Come 2016 when the nation picks its next president, a record number of Americans will have the option of registering online and voting early. That has some people warning of voter fraud, while others are celebrating the flexibility as a way to make sure more people are heard on Election Day. “This year has been a good year for opening access,” said Dale Ho, director of the American Civil Liberties Union voting rights project. But “these things can turn on a dime as long as partisans detect ways to gain advantage by

changing the rules.”

Among the biggest change next year: more voters will be able to go online to register to vote, according to data released Wednesday by the Pew Charitable Trusts, a nonpartisan public policy group.

When President Barack Obama was first elected in 2008, only two states — Arizona and Washington — offered a website where citizens could register. By 2016, a majority of states may be offering that service, with 20 states already offering online registration and seven more considering it or having passed legislation that would authorize it.

“I think eventually despite resistance among a small num-

ber of people ... we’re eventually going to see every state adopt this,” said Michael McDonald, a voting expert and associate professor at the University of Florida.

What’s more is that five states will let citizens register to vote online without a state identification or driver’s license: California, Delaware, Minnesota, Missouri, and Virginia.

The Pew Charitable Trusts says online voting systems, which cost an average $249,000 each, help cut down on errors resulting from bad handwriting and will reduce time spent by voters in line on Election Day. Also continuing a trend, more Americans are expected to vote before Election Day in 2016.

In 2000, when George W. Bush and Al Gore were in a tight race for the presidency, less than 16 percent of Americans voted in advance, either by mail-in ballots or in-person at a designated county site. By the 2008 presidential election, the number of advance votes nationwide jumped to 34 percent.

The increase in advance voting comes in part because states are loosening the rules with mail-in ballots or setting up centers that accept ballots before Election Day. In 2014, Colorado, Washington and Oregon relied entirely on mail-in ballots.

McDonald said he thinks the next major development in voting will be emailed ballots, something

already being done for many military voters stationed overseas and in places like Alaska where residents are more remote.

“Voters like the convenience of receiving their ballots electronically, and I think we’re just going to see more of this in the future,” McDonald said.

Perhaps the only aspect of voting that hasn’t changed since the turn of the century is the reluctance by states to let people cast ballots online because of security concerns. When the District of Columbia experimented with an online voting system in 2010, hackers broke in and changed votes to go to fictional characters.

“I think we’re a long way from the security that we’d need to have

voting online,” said the ACLU’s Ho. Here’s a look at what else has changed since the last U.S. presidential election: — Several states are tweaking their registration sites with smartphones in mind, offering mobile friendly features.

— States are using technology to analyze voter data. Colorado, for example, notes the number of new online voter registrations in a certain time period and updates to old ones. That can help states identify trends.

— States are doing more to accommodate citizens who struggle with English or have disabilities, such as offering text-tospeech software for blind people.

The Bradford (Pa.) Era, Primary Election Guide 2015 — 5

Three on primary ballots for Elk County Coroner post Three candidates are seeking their parties’ nomination for a four-year term as Elk County Coroner in Tuesday’s primary election.

On the Democratic ballot are: Robert Bert Sorg.

On the Republican ballot, Marty Kim and Michelle A. Muccio will seek the nomination.

Martin A. Kim

Martin A. Kim, NREMT-P / L.M.T. / O.R.T., is seeking the Republican nomination for Elk County Coroner in the primary election.

“As coroner, I hope to serve the people of Elk County with compassion KIM and professionalism; to be the final, true voice of the deceased,” he said. “I hope to bring shorter response times, so that Emergency Services are not held on scene any longer than needed. This is ultimately a matter of public safety. When EMS, Police, and Fire/Rescue crews are involved at an incident, and have to wait for hours for a response from the coroner’s office, this puts the residents of the county at risk.

“A large percentage of the counties in Pennsylvania have

done away with the notion that a mortician is the most qualified for the position,” Kim said.

“Many other counties already have paramedics or nurses as their coroner, due to the years of training in anatomy and physiology.

“My background and education includes an Associate’s Degree in Broadcast Communications, I trained as a paramedic through Butler County Community College and hold dual certification as a state and nationally registered paramedic. I have basic and advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support, wilderness rescue, high angle rope rescue. I was trained in the Army as a surgical technician and worked at both Kane Community Hospital and Penn Highlands Elk for over 20 years in the operating room. I worked briefly as a sales rep for an orthopedic sales company, visiting hospitals in the region to teach the surgical staff and surgeons how to use the companies’ equipment in surgery.

“I am a lifelong resident of Elk County. My wife of 22 years, Kim and I have two daughters, Holly & Alicia. I am on the board of directors of several local agencies, I am a member of the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. I believe that to make our communities a better place, you have to step up to the plate and be involved.

“On May 19, I would appre- the standard of treating families ciate your vote, but just as with respect.” much I would appreciate your Muccio took office in January prayers.”

2012 and has investigated more than 265 deaths while in office.

Michelle A. Muccio Muccio feels that she continues Michelle A. Muccio of St. to be the most qualified for this Marys is seeking re-election for position given her formal education in death care, her experiElk County Coroner.

She holds an Associate’s ence serving as coroner and the Degree in Funeral Service relationships forged with the Management as well as a local fire departments, police Diploma in Funeral Directing and ambulance personnel. In and Embalming from the her tenure as coroner, she says Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary the office has run smoothly and she has been fiscally responScience. sible with her yearly budget.

She is a Muccio is a member of licensed the Pennsylvania Coroner’s Funeral Association and states that a Director and great deal of time and dediEmbalmer cation is required to serve as at the coroner. She also views herLynchself as the best choice given G r e e n her experience, availability and Funeral the use of her personal vehicle Home in St. and stretcher that is required to Marys.

MUCCIO move and transport decedents, H e r which is not provided by the mortuary education provided significant county. Due to the equipment medical training in anatomy, that is required to respond to microbiology, and pathology, coroner calls throughout the as well as extensive training in county, the fact that Muccio has identifying cause and manner the equipment readily available poses a significant savings to of death.

Her experience serving as the county, upwards of $50,000 coroner over the last three she estimates.

“It saves the county from years, coupled with her education qualifies her to continue having to purchase a vehicle large enough to do transports, serving as coroner, she says.

While in office, she hopes such as a Suburban or Caravan, to “continue to serve the com- a stretcher, which are priced at munity with dignity and pro- about $3,500 and the decking fessionalism, and to continue to convert the vehicle to hold

the stretcher, which would run my education, experience, and about $2,000,” she explains. community service.”

His education includes a Robert Sorg Business Administration degree Robert Sorg is seeking the from Penn State, Pennsylvania Democratic nomination for Elk Department of Health Paramedic County Coroner in the May 19 Certification through Harrisburg primary election: Area Community College, and If elected, he plans to bring to Basic Coroners Education certifithe position “a unique combina- cation from Temple University. tion of past experience with the He also hold various certiCoroner’s office and an extensive fications including Advanced medical background.” He adds, Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric “I believe that a coroner needs a Life Support, Basic Trauma balance of professionalism, integ- Life Support, and Critical Care rity, knowledge and compassion Paramedic from the University and I can of Maryland, as well as numerachieve that ous firefighting certifications. balance and “My experience includes 20 best serve years of combined service as the resichief deputy coroner and deputy dents of Elk coroner under the former Elk County at a County Coroner Lou Radkowski. most diffiDuring that time, I investigatcult time. ed and assisted the coroner in “I intend examining hundreds of deaths. to accomIn addition, I have served as St. SORG plish timely Marys Area Ambulance Service responses Manager for 25 years. to all coroner cases, working in “I believe it is important to be a close, integral relationship with active in volunteering and helplaw enforcement, ambulance sering the community. I am currentvices and fire departments. It is vitally important for the coroner ly a St. Marys School Director to act within their role to issue and former volunteer firefighter the manner and cause of death in with the Crystal Fire Department. cases both criminal and non-crim- I have also volunteered with inal. The coroner must be able various boards and committo work with law enforcement, tees. I am a lifelong resident facilitating their role as scene of Elk County and I have two investigators and that should be wonderful children Benjamin and Emma and seven siblings, their expertise.

“I feel that I am the most most of whom also reside in the qualified candidate because of county.”

Elk County Polling Locations: BENEZETTE TOWNSHIP • The old school building in Benezette FOX #1 • The Fox Township Community Building, Main St. FOX #2 • The Fox Township Community Building, Main St. HIGHLAND • The Highland Haven Club in Highland Township JAMES CITY • The James City Fire Hall HORTON TOWNSIP • The Supervisor’s Building in Brockport CALEDONIA • The United Methodist Church in Caledonia WEEDVILLE • The Wesleyan Church, Rt. 255 in Weedville LAMONT • The Lamont Community Building in Lamont WILCOX • The Wilcox Community Building in Wilcox MILLSTONE • The Supervisors’ Building on Donahey Hill NORTH RIDGWAY • The Johnsonburg Fire Hall 99 Clarion Rd. in Johnsonburg SOUTH RIDGWAY • The Ridgway Township Building 1537-A Montmorenci Rd., Ridgway SPRING CREEK • The Lake City Community Building in Lake City JOHNSONBURG 1st • The Johnsonburg Public Library, 520 Market St.

JOHNSONBURG 2nd • The Johnsonburg Public Library, 520 Market St. JOHNSONBURG 3rd • The Central Fire State on West Center St. JOHNSONBURG 4th • The Johnsonburg Borough Building.

RIDGWAY 1st • The Elk County Courthouse Annex Gymnasium, 300 Center St. RIDGWAY 2nd • The West End Fire Hall on West Main St. RIDGWAY 3rd • The Capitol City Hose Company on Front St. RIDGWAY 4th • The Church of the Nazarene on Metoxet St. RIDGWAY 5th • The First Lutheran Church, 331 South St. ST. MARYS 1st • St. Marys Parish Center at 325 Church St. ST. MARYS 2nd • St. Marys Parish Center at 325 Church St. ST. MARYS 3rd • The Christian Education Center on the corner of Diamond and Washington St. ST. MARYS 4th • The Christian Education Center on the corner of Diamond and Washington St. ST. MARYS 5th • The Union Hall on Brusselles St. ST. MARYS 6th • The Union Hall on Brusselles St. ST. MARYS 7th • The Christian Food Bank, 817 S. Michael Rd. ST. MARYS 8th • The Best Western Inn, 1002 Earth Rd. ST. MARYS 9th • St. Marys Sacred Heart Parish Center, 337 Center St.

Technology Scott Walker avoids scrutiny on Israel ’listening tour’ shifts voter registration

By ANNE FLAHERTY Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — When President Barack Obama was first elected in 2008, only two states offered a website where citizens could register to vote.

By the 2016 presidential election, it’s possible that a majority of states will offer that service, helping to cut down on errors resulting from bad handwriting and reducing time spent by voters in line on Election Day, according to data released by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

The nonpartisan public policy group says states have spent an average of $249,000 to build and implement new online voter registration systems. But states also are recouping costs because clerks don’t have to process paper registrations.

Here’s a look at what’s changed since the last U.S. presidential election: — Arizona and Washington were the only states that offered online voter registration in 2008.

Now 20 states do, and seven others have passed or are considering laws that would authorize a new online registration system.

— Five states now allow citizens without a state identification or driver’s license to register to vote online: California, Delaware, Minnesota, Missouri, and Virginia.

— Several states are tweaking their registration sites with smartphones in mind, offering mobile friendly features.

— States are analyzing that data. Colorado, for example, notes the number of new registrations in a certain time period and updates to old ones. That can help states identify trends in voter registration.

— States are doing more to accommodate citizens who struggle with English or have disabilities. One example of those efforts is text-to-speech software for blind people.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker wrapped up a five-day “listening tour” through Israel, his first visit to the U.S. ally. But don’t ask the Republican White House prospect where he went, whom he listened to or what was said as he shapes his foreign policy.

Walker isn’t taking questions. And his aides refused to disclose his itinerary or the identities of his traveling companions.

As Republicans criticize Democratic presidential contender Hillary Rodham Clinton for limiting public scrutiny, Walker has adopted a similar strategy on what may be the most significant international fact-finding mission of his political career. His staff confirmed a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — one of several high-level meetings — only by referring to a picture of the two shaking hands posted on Twitter.

He said before leaving that he’d talk about his trip when he was back in the U.S. On the Democratic side, Clinton has answered only a handful of questions from reporters since launching her presidential bid a month ago.

Her campaign events are tightly scripted and allow for limited public access.

At a town hall in Nevada on Wednesday, Republican rival Jeb Bush on several occasions chided what he called Clinton’s limited interaction with voters and the press since launching her campaign.

“You can’t script your way to the presidency, put yourself in a protective bubble and never interact with people — only talk with people that totally agree with you, have it all scripted out,” Bush said. “That’s not going to work. That’s not very sincere.”

Yet Bush was pressed by a voter at the town hall for dismissing the relevance of questions about the Iraq war as hypothetical. The voter asked

Bush whether such questions are fair game, considering that his own presidential aspirations are hypothetical at this point.

He hasn’t announced his candidacy.

“Talking about the future is more than fair,” Bush said.

“Talking about the past, saying how would you have done something after the fact is a little tougher, and it doesn’t necessarily change anything.”

Walker has limited foreign policy experience heading into an election already focused on America’s position. Like some rivals, he’s working to bolster his resume on the foreign policy front. He stumbled rhetorically at times during a more public European tour earlier this year, perhaps explaining why he’s relying on his own social media for getting the word out on his travels in Israel.

Beyond Netanyahu, tweets from Walker and his staff confirm private meetings with the Israeli minister of intelligence, legislative leaders, chairman of the Jewish Home Party and the U.S. ambassador to Israel. Other posts show photographs of him, wearing a yarmulke, at significant local stops, the Western Wall among them.

The trip was paid by Walker’s political organization and the Republican Jewish Coalition, whose board includes Republican donor Sheldon Adelson. Walker’s staff said Adelson did not accompany him.

Tweets confirm the coalition’s executive director, Matt Brooks, who is close to Adelson, was on hand.

Israel’s minister for strategic affairs, Yuval Steinitz, put out a statement Wednesday saying he had met Walker the day before.

The statement gave few details about their talks.

Steinitz, who is responsible for monitoring Iran’s nuclear program, gave Walker an “up to date picture” on Israel’s objections to the emerging multinational nuclear deal with Iran, the statement said.

AP photos Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks at the Freedom Summit, Saturday in Greenville, S.C. Several hundred Republican activists are gathered to hear from almost a dozen declared and potential presidential candidates including Walker.

Below, William Temple, of Brunswick, Ga., dressed as Button Gwinnett waits in line at the Freedom Summit, Saturday in Greenville, S.C

6 — The Bradford (Pa.) Era, Primary Election Guide 2015

Candidates look to fill vacated Elk County judge seat Four candidates are seeking both the Democrat and Republican parties’ nomination for a six-year term as Elk County Magisterial District Judge in Tuesday’s primary.

They include: Ralph Dussia; Jim Martin; Damion J. Bevacqua; Jason McDermott.

Dussia did not submit a response for this piece.

Damion J. Bevacqua

Damion J. Bevacqua is seeking the nomination for Magisterial District Court judge in Elk C o u n t y, cross-filing on BEVACQUA Democratic a n d Republican tickets.

“I hope to apply my legal education and training as well as my real-world experience to honorably and fairly serve the residents of Elk County,” Bevacqua said.

Describing his qualifications, he said, “First and foremost, I’m experienced. I’ve been practicing law for nearly a decade,

and I’ve always strived to keep my law practice as diverse as possible. Although I do practice criminal defense law, my practice isn’t limited to criminal defense. I’ve represented clients in disputes with business partners, business clients, contractors, landlords, tenants, neighbors, friends, and spouses, as well as with numerous government agencies, including PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, the Bureau of Unemployment Compensation, and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. As a result, I’ve dealt with a very wide range of legal issues, practiced before numerous courts throughout Pennsylvania, and represented people in all walks of life.”

Bevacqua said, “I’m not the typical lawyer. I have experience both inside and outside of the courtroom. I’ve worked in heavy construction, operating bulldozers, backhoes, and excavators.

I’ve worked as a residential computer technician for Penn State University. I’ve written for the Ridgway Record and the St. Marys Daily Press. In my free time I enjoy woodworking and competitive pistol shooting.

“I believe this broad range

of experiences and knowledge makes me uniquely qualified to serve as magisterial district judge.”

James L. Martin

James L. Martin is seeking the nomination for Magisterial District Court judge in Elk County, cross-filing on Democratic and Republican tickets.

Martin says, “The Judge of a Magisterial District Court is responsible for providing a fair and impartial forum for those MARTIN individuals who come b e f o r e him. My objective is to be a judge who is fair and firm in an unbiased courtroom. I hope to maintain and build on what has been established by Magisterial District Judge George A. ‘Tony’ King.”

Martin adds, “I feel I am the most qualified candidate considering I bring a thirty-year legal career, which includes

over 27 years as Elk County Public Defender dealing with over 3,000 preliminary hearings, jury trials, civil trials and arbitration hearings. I have argued successfully before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and have numerous experiences dealing with many of the issues that would come before me as Magisterial District Judge.

I have the most extensive experience appearing before numerous District Judges, which has given me a unique insight on how to run a courtroom and office. This has allowed me to have a professional relationship not only with the court staff, but the law enforcement community as well as the District Attorney’s Office which would result in a smooth transition.”

Martin feels he’s the best choice because “Under Article V, §12 of the Pennsylvania Constitution it is required that Magisterial District Judges be members of the bar of the Supreme Court or, before taking office, complete a course and pass an examination in the duties of their respective offices.

As a member of the bar of the Supreme Court I am qualified to immediately assume the position of Magisterial District Judge.

“Secondly, based on my extensive legal knowledge and experi-

ence I will best be able to perform the duties of Magisterial District Judge. Finally, I am committed to being a full-time Magisterial District Judge by closing my private practice upon election. I have devoted my professional career to serving the community within the legal justice system and know I am the best choice for this office.”

Jason McDermott

Jason McDermott is seeking nominations for magisterial district judge in the Elk County primary election, on both MCDERMOTT Democratic a n d Republican ballots, saying he hopes to “bring our local government a new generation, to offer new ideas to make our local government more accountable, efficient, and user-friendly so we can ensure we are getting the best value for our tax dollars, while keeping and using common sense.”

McDermott says he’s “been

community oriented my entire life, always looking for another way to better our community, from volunteering with the fire departments to working in the different facets of law enforcement. I am able to sit and hear cases from both the criminal and the civil aspects, while remaining a neutral party. I will be able to make a ruling for what is in the best interest of the community, as well as an individual person. I believe we need someone with not only the proper training, but with the right life experiences and common sense.”

He feels he’s the best choice for the job because “I’m not a politician and I’m one of the voters, born here, raised here, married here and now raising my girls here. I’m invested in the community and know what we need as a Magisterial District Judge. I’m scheduled to attend the schooling required by all perspective Magisterial District Judges so if given the opportunity, I’ll be able to hit the ground running.”

He sums up his campaign by saying, “Common sense, vote Jason McDermott!”

McDermott is looking to fill a seat vacated by, now Senior Judge, George A. “Tony” King’s retirement earlier this year.

Supreme Court hopefuls may spend most ever on TV air time

By PETER JACKSON Associated Press

HARRISBURG (AP) — Candidates for Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court have spent heavily on air-time bookings for campaign TV ads — about $1.5 million as of one week before Tuesday’s primary election, according to two national groups that analyzed Federal Communications Commission filings.

Washington-based Justice at Stake and New York University Law School’s Brennan Center for Justice said Wednesday that seven of the 12 candidates have purchased air time in what is likely to be the most expensive judicial campaign in state history.

The final tally for TV spending in this year’s campaign could surpass the record $4.6 million in

2007, when two seats on the high court were open.

An unprecedented three seats are open this year on the sevenmember court, the state’s highest.

Two of the vacancies resulted from resignations of former justices implicated in scandals. The groups said half of the ads aired so far focused on the need for ethical or court reforms.

“Given the court’s history with scandal, it’s no wonder the candidates are spending big on ads that focus on ethics,” said Alicia Bannon, counsel at the Brennan center.

Among the Democrats, Philadelphia Judge Kevin Dougherty spent at least $686,000 on TV contracts, Superior Court Judge David Wecht spent at least $221,000, Superior Court Judge Anne Lazarus committed at least

$138,000 and Jefferson County Judge John Foradora put up at least $118,000, the groups said.

Republicans spent less.

Superior Court Judge Judy Olson and Adams County Judge Mike George jointly booked ad contracts worth at least $128,000 in addition to separate contracts of at least $71,000 for George and at least $15,000 for Olson. Judge Anne Covey booked contracts worth at least $76,000.

Not buying air time as of Tuesday were Democrats Christine Donohue, a Superior Court judge, and Allegheny County Judge Dwayne Woodruff; and Republicans Correale Stevens, an appointed Supreme Court justice, Superior Court Judge Cheryl Allen and Montour County District Attorney Rebecca Warren.

Collectively, the candidates had raised nearly $5 million as of Monday, the closeout date of their last full campaign finance reports before the primary.

Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, a Philadelphia-based judicial reform group, has advocated for years that elections for appellate judges should be replaced with a merit selection process in which a panel would evaluate and recommend candidates. The governor would nominate one of those candidates and that person would be appointed to the bench upon confirmation by the state Senate.

Lynn Marks, the organization’s director, said the elective AP photo system forces candidate to raise Pennsylvania Supreme Court Judge Correale F. Stevens large amounts of money to reach speaks at an event Wednesday. Stevens, appointed to the position July 2013, is up for election this year. voters by television.

The Bradford (Pa.) Era, Primary Election Guide 2015 — 7

Twelve compete for Cameron Co. commissioner seats Twelve candidates are competing in the race for three four-year terms for Cameron County commissioner in Tuesday’s primary.

Democratic incumbents Phil Jones and Jim Thomas will face a challenge from Shane Pearsall for two spots on the ballot.

Republican incumbent Glen

Fiebig will face challenges from Lori Reed, Phil Brown, Alvin Lyon, Bill Bogart, Robert McLean, Adam Johnson, Matt Grimone and Rex Waddington.

Pearsall, Johnson, Grimone and Waddington did not submit write-ups or photos to The Era regarding their candidacies.

Bill Bogart Bill Bogart is a grants. He served for Republican candi19 years as a school date for the office director. Bogart has of Cameron County been dedicated to the Commissioner. people and businessA native of es of our communiCameron County ties. He has demonand a graduate of strated this through Cameron County his efforts in assistHigh School, he ing the employees of holds a BBA from PA Pressed Metals BOGART St. Bonaventure when the plant came University, and has a up for sale, and he Master’s Degree in Community was instrumental in attracting Services Administration from Micron Research Corporation Alfred University. to Emporium from Connecticut Bogart’s experience includes and in helping the countless 12 years of working in coun- small businesses that he has ty government for the Potter assisted over the years.

County Commissioners and Bogart was a coach for for the past 30 years being Cameron County Little League self-employed as a small busi- Baseball, was a member of the ness and tax consultant. He St. Bonaventure University has taught as part of the Penn National Alumni Board for 6 State Tax Program, with Tax years. He is also a member Pro Seminars, and has been of St. Mark’s and St. James an adjunct professor in busi- Church. ness administration courses for He believes that Cameron Jamestown Community College County’s future will be meaand the University of Pittsburgh sured by how successful we are at Bradford. in keeping our young people He is president of the Cameron County Industrial Development here, and giving those with the Authority, and has served as desire to return, the opportunity Cameron County’s private sec- to come home. His desire is to tor representative on the exec- serve the people of Cameron utive board at North Central County and utilize his qualificaPennsylvania Regional Planning tions and experience to provide and Development Commission ideas, alternatives and solutions for the past 10 years. In that to potential County issues.

Bogart resides in Emporium capacity he was instrumental in making the Driftwood Bridge with his wife, Susan. They have on Route 555 a reality. He has three adult children and two also written and administered grandchildren.

Philip R. Brown I, Philip R. Brown, area job seekers with am running on the the necessary skills Republican ticket that local employfor Cameron County ers are looking for.

Commissioner.

I want to bring the I made this deciindustry and the comsion as a concerned munity together in a citizen as I witness plan to support local our county fall furbusiness while workther behind in ecoing to develop realnomic growth and istic long and short BROWN population. term goals to draw in I have served as new business. the Chairman of the Shippen If elected I will be fully Township Supervisors for 12 committed to this county, to years and worked in the local the people and to the needed factories for most of my adult change for our future. I feel that life. I am experienced in local I have shown my dedication government, and have lived to the taxpayers with my ecoas and worked with the gen- nomic decisions as supervisor eral laborer and understand the and my continued determinaimmediate needs of this coun- tion to push for change and ty. accountability. I have looked If elected I plan to work past local restraints and gone toward developing a more open to Harrisburg for answers and sense of government and com- support when needed. It has munity by making the Cameron been my duty to enforce local County website more efficient ordinances, but it is my belief in sharing updates, meeting and my practice to aide those schedules and keeping constitu- in need to comply with these ents up to date on county devel- guidelines. A community is not opments. I want to make sure made nor broken by one man or that all citizens feel connected woman alone. It will truly take a to and a part of what we are sup- village to build our future. porting and building.

I feel that I am qualified and I plan to work directly with motivated to serve this county the industries and educational with honesty, professionalism, institutions to build and support economic awareness, loyalty more localized efforts to train and proven integrity.

Glen Fiebig Incumbent Glen County, securing Fiebig is a Republican state and federal seeking re-election grants for projects to a four-year term not limited to flood as Cameron County control and continuCommissioner. ing judicial sales, but not supporting propHe is an experierty tax increases. enced, full-time commissioner, with many B u s i n e s s : accomplishments Assisting current FIEBIG throughout his previand new businesses ous terms. in recruiting employWorking with the ees and promoting tourism and Cameron County Recreation related projects.

Board, improvements have Education: Playing an active been completed at many area role in the Regional Community playgrounds and Memorial Hall College Planning Process. has been renovated.

Recreation: Expanding the The construction of a new West Creek Rails to Trails Driftwood Senior Center and securing of the Pennsylvania from Emporium to Shippen State Police Barracks has Township and adding a walkimproved quality of life. Bridge ing track at the Sinnemahoning improvements have been com- Playground.

Quality of Life: Actively pleted through programs to save taxpayers money, and pursuing flood insurance rate improvements are ongoing on fairness, re-examining the flood the Driftwood Borough Water mapping in Cameron County system. Long-term funding was and seeking ways to convert secured following the Norfolk abandoned properties for new uses to keep them on the tax Southern Train Accident.

If elected, Fiebig plans to rolls.

Fiebig thanks constituents focus on the following items: Financial: Actively sup- for their support throughout the porting legislation to increase years he has served the county, the state paying more for and would appreciate your supstate-owned lands in Cameron port at the polls on May 19.

Phil Jones

Lori J. Reed

My name is Phil the jobs that we have Jones and I am available; to help seeking re-elecforge a partnership tion for the office between education of Cameron County and the workforce Commissioner. need in our county; to see an increase to A Democrat, I’m the PILT (payment a lifelong resident, in lieu of taxes) have been married to and the 20 percent my wife, Kim, for 30 of the royalties the years and have 3 chilJONES state receives on dren, Ashlee, Whitney their gas wells and and Michael. timber sales back to the counMy time in office has enabled me to gain the experi- ties; and to reduce the unfunded ence in all aspects needed to be mandates on counties. The list an efficient and effective com- of things that I would like to missioner from budgeting to accomplish goes on and on.

I think my experience makes making tough decisions for the county. Along with experience me the best candidate, along comes the respect and admira- with being proactive. When tion from fellow commission- you’re a commissioner that ers, state officials and members comes from a small county, at a time when chain franchises of the state legislature.

A couple of my biggest and corporate America rules, accomplishments are holding it makes it very tough to sell the line on taxes for the last 7 your county, make ends meet years and the first judicial sale and survive. But I don’t ever in 17 years. I would like to con- stop trying! When I’m maktinue the judicial sale on a year- ing a decision I ask myself, ly basis. Also, improving public “what or how will it benefit the parking at the courthouse, a new most number of residents in our senior center in Driftwood and county?” My motto has been the Rails to Trails. Some of the and always shall be, “the needs other goals that I would like to of the many outweigh the needs accomplish are to continue to of the few.” I would appreciate make our county a place that your support in the upcoming people want to move to and fill primary election.

My name is Lori J. stakeholders in poliReed and I am running cy development and for Cameron County budget preparation.

Commissioner on the While we all want Republican ballot. to bring new indusThis election try and jobs to our year will be about rural area, we need to momentous decisions work with our existon important issues. ing industry through I am equipped to educational training REED make those decisions programs, work coand guide Cameron ops and possible tax County into the future. incentives.

The last 21 years I have Cameron County is one worked as a title analyst in of the most beautiful areas in the Cameron, Elk, McKean Pennsylvania. We need to sup& Potter County courthouses. port the current tourism efforts During this time, I have devel- and the economic benefits. oped a comprehensive knowlAs a commissioner, I will edge of county government. My spend time in Harrisburg, meetresearch and interaction with the ing with legislatures in regard Tax Claim Bureau, Assessment to the PILT (payment in lieu of Office, Prothonotary, Register taxes), natural gas impact fees of Wills, and Treasurer’s Office and proposed taxing on timber provides me with a sound foun- and natural gas. dation to be an effective county My public and private seccommissioner. My background in business as president of tor experience, along with firm Pennsylvania Title and Abstract grounding in our community and prior banking experi- have taught me that we have ence with The Omaha Bank much to be proud of in Cameron for Cooperatives, are building County. I intend for my camblocks and tools I intend to use paign to be as much a celebrain making decisions on behalf tion of our accomplishments as it is a serious and informed of Cameron County.

I will look at every revenue dialogue about the challenge of and expense source to cut costs, working together to ensure that increase revenue and reduce all of our residents share in the property tax burdens, while success. recognizing competing interThank you for your vote and ests and involving all of the support.

Alvin D. Lyon Alvin D. Lyon and raise a young has announced family. I am willing to be aggressive in he is seeking promoting sustainthe Republican ing job growth in nomination for addition to protectCameron County ing our local busiCommissioner in nesses. the May 19 Primary election.

“As a commissioner I will offer A native of LYON the constituents Cameron County the opportunities and a graduate of to be informed and Cameron County improve communications High School, he has worked in the lumber industry for over throughout the county,” he added. “I believe communica24 years. tion is key for the county. I am “I am very familiar with hopeful that any information issues and concerns of the res- and developments regarding idents of Cameron County,” the county can be relayed to Lyon said. “I am 100 percent the county as frequently and committed to serving as an often as possible. I welcome advocate for the residents. I the opportunity for the boram anxious to prove strong ough and townships an open leadership skills in mak- door policy an opportunity to ing responsible decisions for work together in promoting a better place to live, work the greater good.”

Robert ‘Bunny’ McLean I am Robert of the Chamber “Bunny” McLean, of Commerce, and I am running Historical Society, for Cameron County SPCA, Senior Center commissioner on the and the Prospect Republican ticket.

Park Playground I graduated from Association. I am Cameron County willing to give my High School and time to help many Bryant and Stratton community activities MCLEAN Business Institute and have reached the with an associ19 gallon mark as ate degree in marketing and a blood donor with the Red banking. I have lived in the Cross. I invented a board game Cameron County all my life called “Treasure Resort” and and been involved in many I have written a poetry book community organizations. I called “Bunny’s Tales” with am retired from GKN where I poems of over 70 local people. worked for 32 years.

I am willing to listen to I worked for over 20 years all the voters comments and with the mentally challenged learn all the duties and responat the Oak Manor in Emporium sibilities of a good commisand St. Marys, have been the sioner. I feel I have the experidirector of the Cameron County ence to communicate and help Haunted House Committee for Cameron County residents. I 25 years and have been sell- hope to build a better relaing Avon products locally for tionship between the commuover 36 years. I worked at nity and commissioner’s office PennDOT for 4 years and did to accomplish our goals and homecare in the area. I was a receive more grants and aides volunteer fireman and certified to benefit our county. Also, I EMT for 3 years. Since retir- would like to see a commising from GKN, I have worked sioner in residence at the court3 1/2 years for the Cameron house during business hours.

County School system, IU9 I would greatly appreciate and Northern Tier. I have also your support. Please come out worked 3 1/2 years at the Guy and vote, every vote counts. & Mary Felt Manor as an activ- In Cameron County, if you ity aide. want to save money, vote for I am a lifetime member Bunny!

Jim Thomas Honesty, Integrity, and all requests from Hardworking; these our local businesses, are the qualities that a whenever possible, in county commissioner order to ensure their must possess. futures in Cameron Jim Thomas, County, and also to Democrat, not only promote our county possesses these qualfor new businesses. ities, he has demon2) To continue our THOMAS strated them every support of tourism day in his present in Cameron County term as Cameron through an excellent County Commissioner. working relationship with our In addition, my qualifica- Chamber of Commerce and tions for this position are as other organizations. follows: 3) Continue our support of 1) Studied business adminis- our children’s education in our tration and accounting at Penn public school system, as well State University - Altoona as vocational opportunities in Campus. the classroom, and also with 2) I have an extensive back- businesses on the day-to-day ground in the budgeting process operations. of big business due to 20 years 4) See that our Judicial Sale with GTE Sylvania in purchas- stays on track and is conducted ing, traffic, warehousing and annually. material management.

5) Continue to strive to have 3) Spent close to a quarter all facets of government work of a century as a small business together within the county. entrepreneur as owner and operIn addition to my qualificaator of the Happiness Inn and tions, I believe that I am the the Cabin Kitchen Restaurant. proper candidate for Cameron 4) Experience as Cameron County Commissioner because County Commissioner in so in my current term I have faithmuch as my current term is in fully and honestly served all the its fourth year. people of Cameron County.

What I hope to see us accomIn closing, I request the plish if I am re-elected for honor to serve you for another another four-year term is as fol- four-year term of office. lows, to mention a few: Your vote would be appreci1) Continue to support any ated on May 19.

Feds plan no review of Clinton Foundation WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department said Thursday it has no plans to review previously undisclosed donations to a branch of the Clinton Foundation that some say raise questions about potential conflicts of interest during former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's time in office.

Department spokesman Jeff Rathke said the contributions in question, made to the Clinton Health Access Initiative by private donors, would not have been reviewed even if they had all been disclosed under the terms of ethics agreements Clinton signed before she took office. That's because only donations to the foundation from foreign governments or speaking fees for former President Bill Clinton were subject to vetting.

The agreements did require

that private donations be made public and the health initiative has acknowledged it did not do so in all cases. Rathke said the State Department welcomes the steps the foundation and its arms are now taking to address the issue and won't pursue the matter.

"The State Department has not and does not intend to initiate a formal review, or to make a retroactive judgment about items that were not submitted during Secretary Clinton's tenure," Rathke told reporters, rejecting suggestions that the undisclosed donations might raise ethics red flags.

"The department's actions under Secretary Clinton were taken to advance administration policy as set by the president and in the interests of American foreign policy," Rathke said.

8 — The Bradford (Pa.) Era, Primary Election Guide 2015

Five seeking nod for Potter Four seeking nod for Potter County commissioner seats County sheriff in primary Five individuals on Tuesday will vie for one of two party nominations for Potter County Commissioner, a four-year term.

Republicans in the race are incumbents Paul Heimel and Doug Morley and former commissioner Cathy Bowers.

Democrats are incumbent Susan Kefover and Barry Hayman.

Cathy Bowers

Cathy Bowers is seeking one of two Republican nominations for Potter County Commissioner in the upcoming primary.

F o r over 25 years, she has been involved with business leaders and has an extensive background in BOWERS business and government administration.

“It takes strong, proven leadership, and the willingness to make tough, responsible decisions to operate the county in an efficient and responsible manner,” she said.

Bowers served as Potter County Planning director for nine-plus years, adding that this “formed the framework needed to serve as a county commissioner.”

As a past commissioner, Bowers said she is qualified with administrative duties, including voter registration/elections, assessment of property, human services, emergency management, veterans affairs, fiscal management, budget reports, cash flow and fund balances.

Bowers has reviewed the current budget and several auditor’s reports and said she has a complete understanding of the county’s fiscal condition.

Bowers’ goals are fostering opportunities for small businesses to grow and communities to thrive.

“Our ‘Mom and Pop’ businesses are the backbone of our communities,” she said.

She also wants to ensure transparency and accountability in how taxpayer’s money is being spent; supporting agriculture incentives; supporting Education Councils and libraries; promoting tourism; supporting the Drug Task Force; marketing the county’s assets; lobbying for PILT (payment in lieu of taxes) increase; and supporting senior citizens.

“Cultivate wisely and we will move forward,” she says.

Bowers is a native of Potter County, born and raised in Roulette and is a graduate of Port Allegany High School.

She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration with a minor in marketing in 2002.

She and her husband, Merv, reside in Coudersport.

If elected, Bowers stated, “I will adhere to the county code in all respects. I will follow my oath of office. I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the Commonwealth.”

Barry Hayman

Barry Hayman is seeking one of two Democratic nominations for Potter County Commissioner in the upcoming primary election.

“I see maintaining the pristine natural gift we have in Potter County as one of our greatest challenges in the next four years, particularly if the promised ‘second wave’ of gas exploraHAYMAN tion comes true,” he says. “While private landowners are rightfully entitled to reap the benefits of the extraction of natural gas, the roads, air, and water of the county need to be protected as well. The county commissioners are in a unique position to do just that.

Also, while some feel revenue streams will follow, as a commissioner it would be my priority to guarantee Potter County gets its fair share from both state and federal sources and that all local government entities, not just some, share in that

revenue.

“First, each year, I would donate at least 10 percent of my salary to a county charity that can guarantee 100 percent of the funds will be fairly distributed to residents of Potter County who are in need. I would encourage the board to have some, if not all, meetings during evening hours so working citizens can attend commissioner meetings. I would also consider moving these meetings to sites throughout the county to enable citizens in outlying areas a chance to attend a meeting closer to home. Finally, in conjunction with the National Day of Service, I would try to organize a countywide day of service that would involve all interested county employees, churches, and schools.

“My wife and I are so thankful for all living in Potter County has given us and enabled us to accomplish. This is, in a small way, my attempt to serve the citizens of Potter County. For the past 33 years, as public school teachers and 4H leaders, we have worked for and with the young people of Potter County and their families and we have received so much in return. We have raised our two children here and believe they are who they are in large part due to where they were born and raised.”

Paul Heimel

Incumbent Paul Heimel is seeking one of two Republican nominations for Potter County Commissioner in the primary election.

“It took a considerable amount of time to develop the knowledge and skills to do this job effectively,” he says.

“Becoming familiar with the county and its citizens during a 20-year career with the local newspaper, followed by a decade of service in corporate management, helped to prepare me for this job.

I developed an appreciation for the importance of effective communications, as HEIMEL well as an understanding of business management and economics.

“I’m excited about the possibilities for the next four years.

There is a lot of unfinished business that our board needs to address. We’re especially optimistic about the new initiative to work with employers and educational institutions to provide the training and education that’s needed to help local residents qualify for local jobs. That can stem some of our out-migration and keep our young people here to raise their families and contribute to the community.

Employers tell us that they have the jobs and would be able to expand their workforce if they could find qualified people.

“There’s also a blueprint on the table for more effective coordination and marketing of our recreational attractions, cultural heritage, historical features and locally grown agricultural products. At the same time, I’d like to continue my advocacy for rural counties, military veterans, protection of our natural resources, and community and economic development.

“As chairman and primary spokesperson for the Pennsylvania State Land Tax Fairness Coalition, I’m best positioned to keep fighting for school district, county and township real estate tax relief through higher payments for state-owned land. I’m also directing the effective development of our county website and other communication tools, which will allow us to continue to create greater efficiencies while keeping residents informed of county business.

Other personal involvements include the county’s criminal justice, veterans’ advocacy, environmental stewardship and shale gas educational initiatives, all of which have been recognized with best-in-state awards.”

Susan Kefover

Incumbent Susan Kefover is seeking one of two Democratic nominations for Potter County Commissioner in the upcoming primary election.

“My qualifications for coun-

ty commissioner start with my history of serving the people of Potter C o u n t y, ” she says.

“I never forget that I represent them.

I hear them KEFOVER and work to provide service that truly helps with as little complication and bureaucracy as possible. My service as county commissioner has included years 1979 to 1987 and 2007 to the present. I have worked in the private sector, a non-profit organization and government.

“My life has been grounded in community building. I know how to bring different groups together to accomplish difficult tasks. I gained much of that experience in community development projects, working as the executive director of the Galeton Development Corporation and as a community development consultant for Adelphia. The power of collaboration was again reinforced as I worked as a commissioner to establish a coordinated human service delivery system in the 1980s that is still a leader among the counties today.”

In 1988, Kefover ran on the Democratic ticket for the U.S. Senate and won 57 counties but lost to the larger populated Philadelphia area.

“From that experience I gained relationships and knowledge that I still draw from today for the benefit of Potter County,” she said. “I am not intimidated by the larger arena in which we must often work.

“Doing a business calling program for the Potter County Redevelopment Authority, I learned from businesses (250 interviews) what was important and needed to foster growth and sustainability. I carried this knowledge to the committees I serve on today (Pa. Downtown Committee, County Commissioner Association of Pennsylvania’s Economic Development Committee, Coudersport Downtown Committee, Chief Elected Officials of the Workforce Investment Board, Galeton Development Corporation).

“My focus will continue to be taking Potter County to its best future by assisting our communities with pertinent resources,” she says. “I will continue successful collaborations among agencies, community groups, organizations, and churches to overcome our challenges. I will seize opportunities to promote, develop, and expand business and entrepreneurship.”

Doug Morley

Incumbent Doug Morley is seeking one of two Republican nominations for Potter County Commissioner in the primary election. “ M y goal is to continue to provide s t r o n g leadership for Potter County. I feel that my experiMORLEY ences over the past 30 years have given me the insight to properly assess the challenges and changes that occur within county government on an almostdaily basis,” he said. “The position of commissioner demands that the person charged with this task possess the skills to effectively implement sound business management and make informed decisions while following a wellthought-out strategic plan.

“I have worked in manufacturing, owned my own business and had a 23-year banking career prior to becoming a commissioner. In the time that I have served as commissioner, many diverse issues have been dealt with. Having that kind of background and acquired knowledge to call upon has proven to be invaluable.

“Leadership is a personal quality that is required in this position. There are many definitions of the word. For me, leadership means the ability to affect success and have a positive outcome while empowering, supporting and recognizing those who perform the necessary work.”

Four candidates are competing in Tuesday’s primary for the Republican nomination for Potter County Sheriff.

Current Sheriff Ken Sauley declined to seek re-election.

Candidates Glenn C. Drake II, Roy Hunt, Jesse Whitman and Ralph Briggs Sr. are on the ballot for the four-year term.

Ralph Briggs

My name is Ralph Briggs Sr. and I am seeking the Republican nomination for Potter County Sheriff.

I am a retired motor sergeant from Norfolk, Va. I was in charge of the largest motor unit in southeastern Virginia; and was the lead instructor at the Chesapeake Police Motorcycle School.

I was involved with the budget preparations for the Traffic Unit, purchasing equipment and grant writing in which we received n o n matching and matching grant monies for equipment and man power.

I was involved BRIGGS w i t h Presidential, Vice Presidential escorts and other large events to include planning and working with the Secret Service, FBI, NCIS, DOD Police and numerous other agencies. I was a deputy sheriff for the city of Chesapeake for a year prior to getting hired as a Norfolk police officer. I spent 6 years in the U.S. Navy Submarine service. I am currently ACT 120 certified, working as a police officer and as a part-time corrections officer in the Potter County Jail. I feel that my qualifications make me uniquely qualified for the office of Sheriff.

My plans for the Sheriff’s Department are putting deputies on patrol to assist local and state police in serving the underserved portions of this 1,081 square mile county. There are non-matching and matching grants to assist in doing this. All deputies will be ACT 120 certified to accomplish this. Make a concerted effort to serve the 450 outstanding warrants in the county. Expand the role of the sheriff in the youth of the community and getting involved with some type of common drug prevention training in the elementary schools of this county.

My plan for the jail is to increase correction officer morale. I plan on a reorganization of the jail to include but not limited to readjusting schedules and reducing the excessive amount of overtime. Improve working conditions, including a badly needed upgrade in the camera systems and giving access to a computer to the corrections officers who have no access to one.

This could speed up the booking process and readable copies of reports and paperwork.

Glenn C. Drake II

Shinglehouse native Glenn C. Drake II has announced his candidacy for Potter County Sheriff in the upcoming primary election.

Drake will appear on the Republican ballot.

A native of Shinglehouse, Drake graduated from Oswayo Valley High School in 1985. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in DRAKE September

1985. He joined the Pennsylvania State Police in January 1994, working in Philipsburg and Coudersport.

Drake retired from the state police on May 23, 2014 and started working for the Potter County Sheriff’s Department on June 23, 2014. He is currently the chief deputy and has completed the training to be certified as a Pennsylvania sheriff deputy.

Drake said he believes he’s a good candidate for sheriff “because along with my background in law enforcement, I am trustworthy, a hard worker and I have a good rapport and working relationship already established with all the other entities the sheriff’s office deals with. I need no further training to assume the job of sheriff.”

Due to its size, Potter County is one of a few counties in which the sheriff is also the jail warden. “It is my intention to keep the position of warden attached to the sheriff position,” Drake said.

“This is a huge savings to Potter County taxpayers,” according to Drake. “Should a new warden position be created, it would mean creating another county position with wages, medical and retirement costs.”

Angela Milford is deputy warden, running the day-to-day operation of the jail.

“As warden and supervisor, I will assist her in hiring, firing, discipline and continuing education, and as warden I pledge to continue striving to make good financial decisions for cost containment at the jail,” Drake said.

“Finally, as you are aware, operating the jail and the Sheriff’s Department involves many costs and expenditures, most of which are required by law. However, if it affects you, it affects me and my family as taxpayers. I do not intend to make huge changes that would cost us all. I enjoy serving the people of this county and would be privileged to continue that service as your next sheriff.”

Roy Hunt

My name is Roy Hunt and I am a Republican candidate for Sheriff of Potter County. I feel I am the best choice in a crowded field for this esteemed position.

HUNT I have b e e n in public service for over 32 years serving my community, including becoming a fireman at age 14, earning my Eagle Scout at age 17, and EMT at 18. I continue as a firefighter and have been assistant chief or chief for 16 years. I helped with over $200,000.00 in state and federal grants, upgraded equipment, increased staffing and controlled costs. We were the first to achieve an ISO rating of 5 in Potter County, saving homeowners on their insurance.

From 1991 through 2004, I was in management positions including training manager, branch manager, and property manager with duties including hiring, firing, training, scheduling, planning, organization, and operations.

I was appointed as state constable in 2002 by Judge John Leete. I was then elected in 2004 and served until 2010. My many duties were nearly identical to those of sheriff. Sheriffs and constables have the same oversight agency in the PCCD.

I was hired as a part-time corrections officer in 2002 and became full-time in 2004, successfully completing the State Corrections Academy. I have been the scheduling officer, OIC, and remain the O/C and Use of Force Instructor. I am also the steward and have worked with disputes and contracts. During our last negotiations, we saved Potter County hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If elected, I will reduce overall costs by better planning, organization and executing those plans.

I will modernize operations at the Sheriff’s Office and the jail, improving efficiency and raising morale. The hundreds of outstanding warrants will be greatly reduced. I will work with other agencies to reduce recidivism.

I will also extend hours at least once monthly for the public’s convenience.

I feel my 26 years of leadership experience and the proven ability to set and accomplish goals make me the best choice for Sheriff of Potter County.

Please vote or write in Roy Hunt.

Thank you for your support.

Jesse Whitman

My name is Jesse Whitman and I am seeking the Republican nomination for the office of Potter County Sheriff in the May 19th Primary.

I am also asking for and very appreciative of Democratic write-ins.

Originally from Coudersport, I now reside in Austin, where I live with my fiancé and 2-yearold daughter. After graduating from Lock Haven University, with a teaching degree in 2008, I obtained a position at a school for delinquent youth in WHITMAN Pittsburgh, where I stayed for three years until the opportunity to come home opened up and I jumped at the chance. This is when I obtained positions at Northern Potter School District and Galeton Area School District. Recently with budget hardships, there were cuts made and my position was eliminated. Currently I am working in a powdered metal plant in Emporium.

I am an honest, qualified, trustworthy, dependable, firm/ fair candidate that is ready and capable of fulfilling the duties of the office of sheriff if elected.

I have a history with the sheriff’s office in Potter County in that my grandfather (Bill Russell) was sheriff when I was growing up. I would like the opportunity to follow in his footsteps. That is not the only reason I’ve decided to run for sheriff. If elected I plan to bring common sense back to local government in that I will ease spending where it makes sense and do some shopping around where we have to spend money. While doing this I also want to make sure my team has the supplies and equipment needed to be successful in their jobs. The goal here is to set my team up for success and not have to make do with what is available. The communities have also expressed a concern about drug education in schools. I plan on seeking an up-to-date program to implement in the county districts to relay a uniform message to children at a critical age.

Lastly, I’m ready to work hard for the people of Potter County, because I work hard just like the people of Potter County.

Families collide in controller race

Two candidates with politics in their DNA are vying for Allegheny County controller, each contending that they would do a better job keeping politics out of the office.

Incumbent Chelsa Wagner, 37, contends that her well-publicized clashes with county Executive Rich Fitzgerald demonstrate her independence. Her predecessor turned challenger, Mark Patrick Flaherty, 53, argues that the same headlines reflect Ms. Wagner's manipulation of the office for political ends.

Ms. Wagner contends that Mr. Flaherty would be subservient to his newfound ally, Mr. Fitzgerald, whereas she would continue to be an aggressive overseer of county finances. Mr. Flaherty argues that it is the incumbent who brings the taint of politics to the office, and that he would restore its professionalism and the businesslike atmosphere he says he had brought to the office.

Whoever wins the May 19 primary is expected to win in November since no Republicans entered the race.

Ms. Wagner and Mr. Flaherty were raised around politics. Each represents the second political generation of Pittsburgh families whose members forged political careers by opposing then-moreestablished Democrats.

Mr. Flaherty is the son of former Commonwealth Court judge and Allegheny County commissioner Jim Flaherty. His uncle, Pete Flaherty, embraced the label “nobody's boy,” in being elected mayor of Pittsburgh. He later resigned to join the Justice Department during the Carter administration.

The Bradford (Pa.) Era, Primary Election Guide 2015 — 9

Commissioners, from page 1 Carol Duffy

Carol Duffy nities. Progress and is seeking one of growth will only be two Republican accomplished when nominations for all those involved McKean County remain dedicated Commissioner in the to the vision of the upcoming primary county’s future.” election.

Duffy is a “I have a strong University of desire to bring posiPittsburgh graduDUFFY tive change to our ate with a degree in community through business manageproviding efficient and effec- ment with a concentration in tive services to our citizens,” accounting. For nearly 30 years she says. “I believe I can pro- she and her husband have manvide the leadership necessary to aged a construction and truckbuild upon McKean County’s ing company. They have raised vision of enhancing the quality four children. of life in our area.

Currently, she is a member “I plan to establish opportu- of the Smethport Area School nities for our residents and busi- Board, where she has served for nesses to ensure success during 19 years. these changing economic times “In that capacity I was by remaining open to new ideas, appointed to vice president communicating effectively with of the IU9 (Seneca Highlands the different groups and culti- Intermediate Unit #9) board vating support from the many for the past eight years. I am stakeholders involved. currently treasurer for Trinity “Balancing the budget and Lutheran Church and vice keeping taxes at a minimum president of Smethport Area while providing quality services Women’s Club. I believe my to our citizens will be a consis- long-term commitment demontent goal for me. strates my passion and dedi“The McKean County cation to the members of our Comprehensive Plan of 2008 community. sets a vision for the county’s “Committing myself to this progress and highlights goals community and dedicating my as well as needs of our citizens. time to progress in this county I have reviewed this vision, is what I desire. Running for and plan to evaluate the prog- office means asking you, the ress which has taken place, voters, to put your faith in me the needs which still exist and and allow me to serve our citialso identify any new opportu- zens,” she says.

Cliff Lane

Cliff Lane is oil and gas compaseeking one of nies.” two Democratic What’s more, he nominations for says he brings “comMcKean County mon sense, problemCommissioner solving skills and to appear on the values that are necNovember ballot. essary to manage the “McKean County challenges and issues faces some of the our county will be LANE most profound dealing with in the changes, challenges, coming years.” and blessings that many of us “I possess the leadership have ever witnessed,” he says. experience that provides a “Change is an unavoidable fact much needed link to continuof life. What’s important is how ity and progress. By working we adjust and manage changes. hand-in-hand with communities With change comes opportunity I believe that county governand opportunity is what future ment will continue to be a vital generations will need to build instrument of positive change. their family’s futures. I want to I am an optimistic realist who make certain McKean County will continue to take the chalremains an affordable place to lenges our county faces and live by controlling taxes through turn them into opportunities and long-term planning.” make McKean County a better He continues: “To seek place to live, work and retire.” opportunities for sustainable For 5 years, he served as industry and value-added jobs. chairman of the Bradford The Marcellus Shale industry Airport Authority. Lane is in his has already provided jobs and 12th year as a McKean County impact fee monies that has ben- Conservation District Board efited McKean County. The member and was elected by the Utica Shale has the potential to 12 Northwestern Pennsylvania conservation districts to serve do the same in coming years.

“Ensuring our natural as their regional director.

He worked as planning manresources and environment are protected, we need to recognize ager for 17 years and as purthat we are the caretakers of the chasing manager for 12 years. water and land. As resources are Lane graduated with honharvested, it is our responsibil- ors from the University of ity to safeguard the lifestyles Pittsburgh at Bradford with a we’ve been blessed with and degree in business administraenjoy, while working with the tion.

Al Pingie

Incumbent Al the University Pingie is seeking one of Pittsburgh at of two Republican Bradford Advisory nominations for Board.

McKean County “I have negotiCommissioner in the ated labor contracts primary election. on both sides, bid He has served state and local conthree terms as tracts, supervised McKean County the construction PINGIE Commissioner while of roads, bridges, serving on numeralong with sewer ous county boards and com- and water lines,” he says. mittees. He is a member of He continues: “A few of the Guidance Center Board, my accomplishments are: Jail a voting member of North expansion, including construcCentral Pennsylvania Regional tion of a new kitchen and Planning and Development work release/female detenCommission, a 4-year voting tion center. Housing of female member of CEM (Cameron- inmates from other counties Elk-McKean) Mental Health generating income of approxiand Mental Retardation Board, mately $324,000 a year. Intwice elected president of the house meal preparation for Bell Warren Credit Union inmates saving approximately and a 4-year member of the $200,000 a year since 2009.

McKean County Conservation “While managing a $34 District and chairman of the McKean County Natural Gas million budget, as your McKean County Task Force. He is a United 2015 Commissioner, I pledge to States Marine Corps veteran serving during the Vietnam continue to reduce spending as well as increase revEra. His qualifications for com- enues while strengthening our missioner include: 14 years as achievements and building Bradford Township Supervisor upon our successes. I look with 12 years as chair- forward to greater economic man of the board, 33 years growth in tourism and busiwith the Bradford City Fire ness development. My sincere Department, retiring as cap- hope is to improve the qualtain; twice-elected president ity of life for all of our resiof the Tuna Valley Council of dents by again serving them Governments; voting delegate as your 2016 McKean County for Bradford Township at the Commissioner. I appreciate Pennsylvania State Association your vote on primary day for of Township Supervisors Al Pingie, McKean County and an 11-year member of Commissioner.”

Elk, from page 3

Leroy ‘Butch’ Schaffer

Leroy “Butch” Crosby Fire hall.

Schaffer is seeking He is a social one of two Republican member of the nominations for Norwich Township McKean County Fire Department, the Commissioner in the John Berg Memorial primary election on Legion and the Tuesday.

Norwich Township He is curSportsman’s Club. rently a member SCHAFFER “I have a long of the McKean work history in the County Planning Commission, associate direc- planning and execution of the tor of the McKean County trades, building and excavatConservation District, serves on ing industry,” he says. “I have the Donald J. Comes Learning many years of practical experiCenter Leadership team for ence from labor to leadership Penn State and the McKean and developmental roles while County Extension Office. working in the private sector as He previously served on well as township supervisor.” the McKean County Blight He is a volunteer and active Commission, as a town- member of many local and ship supervisor for Norwich county committees that are vital Township serving as chairman, to the stability and growth of vice chairman and road master.

McKean County.

He was the vice president of the “I am prepared to meet the McKean County Association of Township Officials and a challenges and needs of the member of PSATS (Pa. State residents of McKean County Association of Township and would consider it a privilege and honor to serve as Supervisors).

While serving as a volunteer a Commissioner of McKean fireman, his duties included line County. Please vote May 19, officer and executive officer. 2015, fourth down on the balHe volunteers weekly at the lot,” Schaffer says.

John Vinelli

John Vinelli people in place, we is seeking one of have attained 11 new two Republican franchises, which nominations for play a key role in the McKean County successful operation Commissioner in the of our businesses, 6V upcoming primary Excavation and 6V election.

Sales and Service.

A lifelong resident “These are only of McKean County, VINELLI some of the things he began his own that qualify me to business after graduaserve as your county tion, both in the timber industry commissioner. I would be proand construction field. In 1990, vided with an opportunity to deal he went to work for the Federal with the people’s most immediBureau of Prisons, remaining there until 2002 and transferred ate problems, which are often to the Federal Air Marshal the ones that affect everyone. A Service and stayed there until commissioner’s efforts can have a noticeable and lasting impact retirement. on the county. I would have “Although I’m not running for sheriff, I have a vast an opportunity to influence the knowledge of the inmate popu- future well-being of our county, lation and its day-to-day pro- to help prepare for our county’s cedures,” he says. “I was a growth. Sometimes people run wellness coordinator for both for office for all the wrong staff and inmates, federal fire- reasons. Maybe they have a perarms instructor, sniper and tac- sonal gripe they think they can tical trainer, and held a top do something about, or maybe secret security clearance. l was they’re out to make personnel taught what it means to have changes based on dissatisfacthe utmost discipline, integrity tion. They don’t seem to be very and strength to move forward interested in the ‘public good.’ in any situation. In the business “Government is designed field also, I have been very to serve the people — all the successful in studying, securing people. Vote John Vinelli on and executing contracts large May 19, an honest, hard-workand small. ing business man, and with the “In the past few years, with good Lord willing, I promise my wife at my side and key you will see a difference.”

Riel, from page 1 “At a time when many PA 3rd class cities and other municipalities are failing, the city has turned the corner. It has not been an easy road to take, but the City of Bradford is slowly becoming a success story,” Riel said. “I have given 110 percent and then some in serving as mayor and will gladly continue to do so if reelected. I would greatly appreciated the voters’ continued support.”

Riel was born in Bradford and graduated from BAHS in 1987. He received a BA from Concordia College in Bronxville, N.Y., in 1991.

He serves on the executive board of the PA State Mayors Association, PA Municipal League Legislative Committee, Friendship Table and Oak Hill Cemetery Association among others. He was twice elected chairman of the Tuna Valley Council of Governments.

Berg, from page 1 Berg also said he learned to swim at age 40 so I could compete in triathlons and then qualifying for national championships in the sprint distance, in my age group of course. Whatever I choose to do, I give it 100 percent.

“I have learned to work and work with skill and competence at a myriad of different things. I built up my own rental business while working three other jobs.”

Berg asks voters to consider him in casting their ballots on May 19.

Jeff Yetzer Jeff Yetzer is seekCounty,’ our working ing the Democratic heroes who punch party’s nomination clocks. for a seat on the Elk “As a U.S. Air County Board of Force veteran, I Commissioners. know the value of our “Of the 30 boards veterans. As a lifeand commissions long resident of Elk that have been creCounty, I understand ated in Elk County, I our way of life. As an would venture to say account executive, I YETZER that they work indemanaged accounts in pendently. I want to three counties gainconsolidate efforts to attack the ing unparalleled experience in issues of a diminishing tax-base, negotiation and communication. a declining population, an expo- As a business/finance manager, nential increase in the use of nar- I gained experience in finance, cotics, the exploitation of our citi- understanding the workings of zens by local industry ‘leaders’ a budget. I must add that as a who provide substandard wages for gross personal gain, and the blue-collar employee, I undermost complex issues regarding stand the ‘Humanity Behind the the hazards posed by Marcellus Numbers.’

“Because of my diverse backDrilling.” ground I am, without debate, the Yetzer calls himself the “unconventional candidate,” add- best-suited candidate for the posiing, “Much of my experience tion of county commissioner. I entails blue-collar employment. am not a professional politician Not only did I punch a clock who has sat on boards making for well over a decade, but for decisions on issues that I have three years I represented over not personally experienced for 700 union employees in my role people that I cannot relate to. I as chief stewart and Interim Vice can state, with confidence, that President of Local 502. I, better I will serve the county well. A than my competitors, can empa- vote for me is a vote for your own thize with the ‘Strength of Elk interest.”

Rubio promoting a strong military policy

NEW YORK (AP) — Defending the use of American military power, Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio called for increasing military spending and for the U.S. to aggressively confront Russia, China and others that he says threaten the nation’s economic interests.

In what his campaign billed as a major speech on foreign policy, the Florida senator sought to draw a sharp distinction with President Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton, the front-runner for the Democratic nomination who spent four years as Obama’s secretary of state.

Rubio said Obama “wasted no time stripping parts from the engine of American strength,” and cast Clinton as his loyal deputy.

“We simply cannot afford to elect as our next president one of the leading agents of this administration’s foreign policy — a leader from yesterday whose tenure as secretary of state was ineffective at best and dangerously negligent at worst,” Rubio said during remarks at Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

Rubio also waded into a flairup over the wisdom of the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, becoming the latest GOP candidate to try to draw a distinction with Jeb Bush, whose brother George W. Bush started the war as president. Jeb Bush said this week that even if he had known about flaws in intelligence reports about Iraq’s weapons capabilities, he didn’t know what decision he would have made about invading.

On Thursday, Rubio said that with knowledge of the intelligence mistakes, “Not only would I not have been in favor of it, President Bush would not have been in favor of it.”

Rubio has previously said the U.S. is safer for having invaded Iraq and the world is better off without Saddam Hussein running the country. While former President Bush has said the intelligence failures were a blow to his credibility, he has maintained that the invasion was the right decision.

In the wide-open Republican primary, Rubio tried to use foreign policy experience to set

himself apart from competitors with similarly hawkish views.

The first-term lawmaker serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Intelligence Committee, and he has become a frequent critic of Obama’s policies.

While many of the foreign policy prescriptions Rubio outlined Wednesday were broad, he issued direct warnings to Russia, China, Iran and other countries that attempt “to block global commerce.” He singled out attempts to block transit through the South China Sea, where China claims control and is building islands, and the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran recently seized a Marshall Islandsflagged ship.

“Gone will be the days of debating where a ship is flagged or whether it is our place to criticize territorial expansionism,” he said.

As part of what he described as a three-pronged foreign policy doctrine, Rubio also called for boosting the military budget beyond levels imposed by automatic budget cuts in 2011.

Obamas most recent budget called for $612 billion in defense spending, which is higher than the so-called sequester levels.

Rubio’s foreign policy pledges are an attempt to counter Obama’s own self-described doctrine for tackling world affairs, which aides say boils down to “Don’t do stupid stuff.”

The president has said his goal is to proceed cautiously and hit “singles and doubles,” with an occasional home run.

Rubio said the president “entered office believing America was too hard on our adversaries, too engaged in too many places, and that if we just took a step back, did some ‘nation building at home’ — ceding leadership to other countries — America would be better liked and the world better off.”

Seeking to look beyond sheer military power, Rubio says he would support the spread of economic and political freedom, resist efforts by large powers to control smaller neighbors and work to advance the rights of women and religious minorities around the world.

O’Malley: Urban Americans worse off than before MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Close to a presidential announcement, Martin O’Malley said many Americans living in cities are worse off than they were eight years ago and Democrats in Washington wasted a chance to address poverty in the nation’s urban areas.

In appearances in New Hampshire, O’Malley did not did not mention President Barack Obama by name but said pointedly that Democrats have missed opportunities to make investments in cities while in control of the White House and when they controlled Congress.

The former Baltimore mayor and former Maryland governor said the economic problems exposed by Baltimore’s recent riots showed the need for new

approaches to rebuild cities.

“We’ve created whole swaths of Americans, particularly in American cities, who are worse off now than they were eight years ago,” O’Malley said.

“When people are unheard, when their country’s economy treats them like they’re unnecessary, like they’re unwanted, like they’re unneeded, this sort of anger erupts.”

O’Malley said voters were seeking leaders focused on “getting things done” and suggested he would make a final decision on whether to seek the Democratic nomination in three days. His trip to the nation’s first presidential primary state was probably his last before he enters the race with an announcement expected later

this month in Baltimore. He would join a field dominated by Hillary Rodham Clinton, who is building a large volunteer network in New Hampshire.

The former governor offered glimpses of what his campaign agenda might look like, emphasizing that he would focus heavily on economic inequality, campaign finance reform and a foreign policy focused on national security threats and creating new global alliances.

During an evening house party in Durham, O’Malley called the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 “one of the greatest blunders in the story of our nation.”

O’Malley praised the Senate’s rejection of a procedural step that had been sought

by Obama to speed passage

of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and other trade deals. O’Malley, who has opposed the Pacific deal, said the slowdown in Congress would give the U.S. a chance to “reevaluate this notion of chasing cheap labor abroad.”

Clinton has not taken a firm position on the agreement among Pacific nations.

At a Manchester restaurant, where photos of former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton hang on the wall, O’Malley walked from table to table with Dan O’Neil, a Manchester alderman and longtime friend, making introductions. Few diners were familiar with him — one woman asked if he had been the governor of South Carolina.

10 — The Bradford (Pa.) Era, Primary Election Guide 2015

TUNDRA

To Your Good Health

By KEITH ROACH, M.D.

GARFIELD

SALLY FORTH

DEAR DR. ROACH: I had non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma a couple of years ago. I am in remission now, but I never knew what caused it.

Is it hereditary, or due to infection? I was told I had hypercalcemia at the time.

Could the hypercalcemia have caused the cancer?

Also, I was treated with chemotherapy, called ICE (ifosfamide, carboplatin, etoposide). I felt these drugs caused me to lose my mind temporarily, so I had to stop them. — C.W. ANSWER: Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of blood cell cancer. Nobody knows exactly what causes it, but it pretty clearly comes from damage to the DNA in a precursor

Horoscope

BLONDIE

ANDY CAPP

BEETLE BAILEY

LOLA

HI AND LOIS

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE

DILBERT

PEANUTS

By FRANCIS DRAKE What kind of day will tomorrow be? To find out what the stars say, read the forecast given for your birth sign.

For Saturday, May 16, 2015 ARIES (March 21 to April 19) This is the perfect day to buy something beautiful for your home or for a family member.

It’s also a good day to investigate real-estate options.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You can make money from your words today, which is why this is an excellent day for those of you who sell, market, write, act or teach. You also might arbitrate arguments.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) This is a good day for business and commerce, especially matters related to oil, gas, antiques, art and beautiful objects. You might get a raise today or make some money on the side.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) This is a great day to schmooze with others, especially female companions. Share the experience of enjoying beautiful places together, like parks, museums and galleries.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22) This is a lovely day for your sign; however, do be aware that personal details about your private life might be made public.

In fact, one of these details could be a secret love affair. Oops.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) Your dealings with others, especially in groups, are warm and friendly today. You might meet a new acquaintance from another culture or a different country. You might explore new religious ideas.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) You make a great impression on others today because you look attractive and sympathetic. This is why people will approach you for help with something. Be open to this.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) Travel for pleasure will delight you today. If you can’t travel far, then travel through museums, galleries and parks where you live, because you will appreciate beauty today.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) Be open and easy-minded, because today you can benefit from the wealth and resources of others. Physical relationships will be affectionate.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) Relations with friends and partners are warm and friendly today. This is a playful day.

Accept invitations to party and have fun!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) You are willing to help coworkers today, in part because they are willing to help you. You might do something to make your workspace look more attractive.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) Romance, love affairs, fun with children and anything with the hospitality industry or the entertainment world will delight you today. This is the perfect day to schmooze and party!

BORN TODAY You have an amazing imagination. Sometimes you shock others because you are so colorful and uninhibited. The fact is, you simply like to enjoy yourself. You are passionate, yet soft-spoken. This year your success lies with others; people will benefit you. Therefore, make friends and join clubs and organizations. Help others, because you will be helping yourself.

blood cell. It does not typically run in families.

High blood calcium levels are common in many cancers.

There are several reasons the calcium can be elevated in people with cancer, but the most common are: cancer spreading to the bone and releasing bone calcium through tissue destruction; increased amounts of vitamin D sometimes produced by tumors; and an abnormal protein called PTH-related peptide, which increases both calcium absorption and release of calcium by bone. PTH-related hormone probably is the most likely mechanism in NHL. It’s important to stress that the high blood calcium is a result of the cancer, not a cause of it.

Ifosfamide frequently (10 percent to 30 percent of the time) causes toxicity to the brain, and temporary confusion is one of the most important symptoms. Stopping the ifosfamide temporarily is sometimes necessary, and symptoms usually resolve within a few days.

I am glad your treatment was effective in treating your cancer, but disappointed that you didn’t get your questions answered at the time.

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 67-year old woman with Type 2 diabetes. I take 1,000 milligrams of metformin twice a day. My last A1C was 8.1. I desperately want to lose weight to get rid of the diabetes or at least lower the A1C, and am cutting down on carbs, but I am told it is very difficult to lose weight on diabetes meds. Can you explain why, and offer any advice to help me lose weight? Thank you. — R.P. ANSWER: It can be harder to lose weight with Type 2 diabetes. The underlying defect is resistance to insulin, so blood

Crossword

insulin levels usually are high.

Insulin is a growth hormone, a signal in the body that there is plenty of sugar and that the body should store energy as fat.

Medications for Type 2 diabetes that increase insulin levels tend to make it even more difficult to lose weight. Insulin itself, and medications that tell the pancreas to make more insulin, such as glyburide, tend to promote weight gain.

On the other hand, medicines that reduce insulin levels tend to promote weight loss. Metformin works mostly by preventing the liver from making sugar, so the body’s own insulin can work more effectively on the sugar we take in through food. Another medicine, exenatide (Byetta), promotes weight loss in some people. Other medications for Type 2 diabetes have variable effects on weight.

Of course, controlling total calorie intake, especially carbohydrate intake, has a powerful effect on weight, both directly and indirectly. Similarly, exercise makes insulin work better, so modest changes in diet and exercise, along with careful attention to the choice of diabetes medication, can help promote weight loss. I have found that exercising a halfhour or so after eating seems to work well.

——— Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible.

Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealthmed. cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall. com.

By Eugene Sheffer