1. No category

Voters Guide
A nonpartisan publication prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Lewisburg Area
containing candidates listed on the ballots of Union County Voters
MUNICIPAL PRIMARY
Tuesday, May 19, 2015, 7am-8pm
Pennsylvania Appellate Courts
You may take this
publication into the voting
booth with you.
Judicial elections occur in odd-numbered
years. Justices and judges are retained or
re-elected by the voters, and may serve an
unlimited number of terms until they reach the
mandatory retirement age of 70. Vacancies
that exist before an election may be filled by
gubernatorial appointment until an election
is held. These selections are subject to Senate
confirmation.
Questions asked of all judicial candidates:
1. Do you agree with the plurality opinion’s
interpretation of Article 1, Section 27 of the
state constitution as stated in the Robinson
Township case of December 2013? If not,
why not?
2. Do you agree that the plain English
language meaning of the amendment should
be the basis for construing it?
Editor’s Note: In the Robinson Township
case, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court
held unconstitutional most of Act 13 – a
2012 oil and gas law designed to facilitate
the development of natural gas from the
Marcellus Shale, by giving the Department
of Environmental Protection the right to
override local zoning laws in approving
oil and gas operations. The basis for the
decision in large part was Article I, Section
27 of Pennsylvania’s Constitution (commonly
referred to as the Environmental Rights
Amendment), which broadly creates rights
for the people to a clean environment.
This decision is viewed by many as
having significant implications in future
environmental litigation.
TH E M U N I C I PAL P RI M ARY
In Pennsylvania a primary election is held each spring, allowing voters registered as
Republican or Democratic to select their party’s candidate for the regular election in the fall.
In a primary election voters receive only the ballot for the party in which they are registered.
This primary ballot lists all the candidates for each office who are seeking to become their
party’s candidate in the fall election. It does not include candidates from any other party.
Because Pennsylvania has a closed primary, voters cannot cast any ballot
other than the one for the major party in which they are registered. In the primary,
independent and third party voters do not receive any party’s ballot, and may vote
only on a ballot question, if applicable. There are no ballot questions for this election.
In this Voters Guide the nominees are listed by office. All those whose names
appear on the official ballot for each office are listed together by party, with
the nominees for the party of the governor appearing first. Within each party
group they appear in the order in which they will appear on the official ballot.
This publication contains important information for voters in all the municipalities
of Union County, and is provided free of charge by members of the League of Women
Voters of the Lewisburg Area. The League thanks the Union County businesses who so
generously contributed to the financing of this Guide (see page 5).
CANDIDATES NIGHT
FOR UNION COUNTY
Candidate Panels and Question & Answer Sessions
for
LEWISBURG AREA SCHOOL BOARD
and
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE:
Eastern Union County (17-03-01)
TUEsday, MAY 12, 2015, 7 p.m.
justice of the
supreme court
Description of Office: The Pennsylvania
Supreme Court is the highest judicial
authority in the Commonwealth, and the
oldest appellate court in the nation. In
addition to being the final court of appeals, it
serves as administrator of the Unified Judicial
System and is responsible for ensuring that
all Pennsylvania courts perform their duties
properly. The Supreme Court has several
committees and boards responsible for writing
and enforcing rules for judges, attorneys, and
litigants to ensure an efficient and fair judicial
review. The Court hears decisions of the
Superior and Commonwealth Courts and in
certain cases, including those involving the
death penalty, from the Court of Common
Pleas. It may also assume jurisdiction
over any case pending before a lower court
that involves an issue of immediate public
importance. There are seven Supreme Court
justices, the Chief Justice being the one
having the longest continuous service on the
Court. Annually, the justices receive over
3,000 requests for appellate review.
Term: Ten years
Salary: $203,409
Vote for not more than THREE.
Democratic
david wecht
Allegheny County
D.O.B.: 05/20/1962
Education: Yale Univ.,
B.A., summa cum laude,
Phi Beta Kappa, 1984; Yale
Law School, J.D., 1987
Lewisburg Area High School Auditorium
Corner of Routes 15 and 45
Come learn about candidates' positions
on issues that are important to you!
Sponsored by the League of Women Voters
1
Occupation: Judge, PA
Superior Court (elected
January 2011)
(continued on next page)
© Copyright 2015 LWVPA-CEF
Justice of the Supreme Court, con't.
Qualifications: Judge, Allegheny Common
Pleas, 2003-2011; Family Division
Administrator; Allegheny Register of Wills,
1998-2003; Vice Chair, PA Democratic Party,
1998-2001; highly recommended, PA Bar
Assn.
Answer to Questions: I believe that laws
are neither static, nor talismanic. While a
reasonable jurist must read the text of the
amendments to the Pennsylvania Constitution
plainly and with common sense, I believe
that laws, and more specifically judicial
interpretation of those laws, must be allowed to
evolve within our common law system.
http://www.wecht2015.com
Democratic
christine donohue
Allegheny County
D.O.B.: 12/24/1952
Education: East
Stroudsburg Univ., B.A,
1974; Duquesne Univ.
School of Law, J.D.,
1980
Occupation: Superior
Court Judge
Qualifications: 27 yrs. practicing law;
Superior Court Judge, 2008-present; highly
recommended, PA Bar Assn.; served PA Court
of Judicial Discipline, Judicial Conduct Board
of PA, Lawyer Disciplinary Board of PA
Supreme Court, PA Board of Law Examiners
Answers to Questions:
1) In my opinion the Robinson Township
plurality’s discussion of the Environmental
Rights Amendment is well-researched and
based upon a convincing recitation of the
historical basis for its passage. Because the
analysis is the basis of a three justice plurality
decision and the author and one of the joining
justices are no longer on the court on which I
hope to serve, it would be improper for me to
express my agreement or disagreement with
the analysis. This is by definition an open
question of the law which is likely to again be
presented to the Supreme Court.
2) For the reasons stated in my first answer, I do
not believe that I can respond to this question.
I note, however that it is well established in
the law that the “touchstone” of constitutional
interpretation is the actual language of the
constitution and it must be interpreted in its
popular sense. As the Robinson Township
plurality opinion explains, the ultimate goal
of constitutional interpretation is to determine
the intent of the voters who ratified the
constitutional provision.
http://donohueforjustice.com
© Copyright 2015 LWVPA-CEF
TH E VO TE RS G U I D E
The League of Women Voters publishes this guide as a public educational service.
Nothing in the Guide should be construed as an endorsement of any candidate by
the League of Women Voters. The material was obtained from questionnaires sent to
all the candidates and compiled by volunteers from the League of Women Voters of the
Lewisburg Area. Photos of candidates were requested and have been used whenever
submitted.
Editors: Liz Clement, Sue Travis
Designer: Dawn Maneval
Thanks to Marge Duck, Phyllis Dyer, Keay Hathaway,
Carole Madle, Susan Warner-Mills and
the Union County Elections and Voter Registration Office
LWVLA President: Janice Bigelow
The League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters is a nonprofit organization of women and men. Its purpose
is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens
in government.
provisions. The plurality correctly determined
that the Amendment granted individual
citizens the environmental rights to clean air
and pure water, and to the preservation of
natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values
of the environment. The plurality properly
held that the people, including generations
to come, hold common ownership of public
natural resources, which the state holds
in trust. The plurality properly reviewed
the legislative history to conclude that the
Amendment’s provisions were intended to be
broadly applicable.
http://kevindoughertyforpa.com
Democratic
john henry foradora
Jefferson County
D.O.B.: 05/27/1966
Education: Juniata
College, B.A./History/
Political Science, 1988;
Univ. of Notre Dame
Law School, J.D., 1991
The League is nonpartisan: it does not support or oppose any candidate or party. It
does, however, take positions on public issues and encourages its members to participate
as individuals in the party of their choice. League members study and reach agreement
upon issues before taking such public positions.
Membership is open to all women and men, and inquiries are welcome. You may go to our
website at lewisburg.palwv.org or contact us at 570-524-4439. Contributions to support
our educational activities are greatly appreciated. Tax-deductible contributions can be
made out to LWVLA Education Fund and sent to PO Box 206, Lewisburg, PA 17837.
For more information about the League or to receive material about state and/or federal
government, contact The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, at 1-800-692-7281
or 226 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102-3220. You may also visit their homepage at
www.palwv.org. Additional candidate and voter information can be found at
www.smartvoter.org/pa/state
Democratic
kevin m. dougherty
Philadelphia County
D.O.B.: 05/19/1963
Education: Temple
Univ., B.A., 1985;
Antioch School of Law,
J.D., 1987
Occupation:
Administrative Judge of
the Philadelphia Court
of Common Pleas Trial Division
Qualifications: Assistant District Attorney,
Philadelphia, 6 yrs.; Partner, Marino &
Dougherty LLP, 6 yrs.; Judge, Philadelphia
Court of Common Pleas, 13 yrs.;
Administrative Judge, Philadelphia Court of
Common Pleas Family Division, 9 yrs.
Qualifications: Law Clerk, 1991-1992;
General Practice, 1992-2002; Trial Attorney,
1992-2002; Municipal Solicitor, 1992-2002;
President Judge, Officer in the State
Conference of trial Judges elected by all Judges
in PA, 2002-present
Answers to Questions:
1) I agree with the plurality opinion’s
interpretation of the Environmental Rights
Amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution.
I agree with the determination that this legal
dispute, in essence, sought vindication of the
citizens’ rights to the quality of life on their
properties and in their communities, and that
insofar as the broadly granted zoning rights
to the oil and gas industry attendant to Act 13
threatened the quality of air and water, as well
as the health and safety of citizens and the
quiet enjoyment of their own private property,
the challenged sections of the Act violated the
Environmental Rights Amendment.
1) Yes
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Lewisburg Borough................................... 12
Limestone Township.................................. 12
Mifflinburg Borough................................. 12
New Berlin Borough................................. 12
Union Township........................................ 13
Union-Independent................................... 13
West Buffalo Township.............................. 13
White Deer Township................................ 13
Lewisburg School Director....................... 14
Mifflinburg School Director...................... 15
Polling Places........................................... 16
2
of Common Pleas
Answers to Questions:
2) Yes, the plurality opinion makes clear that
the Court employed the plain language of the
Amendment as the basis for construing its
Justice of the Supreme Court.................... 1
Judge of the Superior Court...................... 4
Judge of the Commonwealth Court.......... 4
Union County Offices................................ 6
Buffalo Township...................................... 9
East Buffalo Township.............................. 10
Gregg Township........................................ 10
Hartleton Borough.................................... 10
Hartley Township...................................... 11
Kelly Township.......................................... 11
Lewis Township......................................... 11
Occupation: President
Judge of Jefferson Court
2) Yes
http://www.voteforadora.com
Democratic
anne e. lazarus
Philadelphia County
D.O.B.: 11/12/1952
Education: SUNY
Stony Brook, B.A.,
1972; Temple Univ.,
Beasley School of
Law, J.D., 1976;
Temple Univ.,
Beasley School of
Law, LLM, 1986
Occupation: Superior Court Judge
Qualifications: PA Judge; Superior Court,
5 yrs.; Trial, 19 yrs.; highest recommendation,
Philadelphia and PA Bar Assns.; 2-yr. expertise
in Judicial Ethics
Answers to Questions:
1) I believe that all of the petitioners have
standing and that a political question was not
presented. I think that the concurring opinion
of Justice Baer, in deciding this matter on
a substantive due process basis is more in
keeping with my judicial philosophy and that
it was not necessary for the majority to sweep
with so broad a brush. Nevertheless, this
plurality opinion certainly puts Pennsylvania
at the forefront of the environmental
law spectrum and will have significant
implications for many years to come. It will
require lawyers, municipalities and legislators
to reconsider positions re: Article 1 Section
27, in the light of the pronouncements by the
plurality.
2) I agree that interpretation of amendment
begins with the plain meaning of the
amendment. Like so many other
constructions in law, if we can give meaning
to the wording as written, we should not look
to outside sources for interpretation. Only if
we were to determine that the amendment is
ambiguous, would we look to outside sources
for clarification. This is hornbook law.
http://www.VoteAnneLazarus.com
RE C O R D N U M B E R OF S E AT S O P E N
O N PA S U PREME CO U R T
Candidates for an unprecedented number of vacancies on Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court
will be on the ballot in the upcoming spring 2015 Primary Election. Supreme Court justices
and their decisions have the potential to affect each one of us, as demonstrated by high profile
cases such as those involving the Voter ID law, environmental protection and redistricting.
Your vote for Supreme Court justices WILL matter! Because judicial candidates
are limited in the ways they are permitted to promote their candidacies, it might be
difficult for voters to access the information they need to make educated decisions at the
voting booth. To obtain a list of resources to aid you, the voter, in making an informed
choice, please visit the website of the League of Women Voters of the Lewisburg Area at:
lewisburg.palwv.org
Luzerne County
Education: Penn State,
B.A./Political Science,
1968; Dickinson School
of Law, J.D., 1972
(Law Review)
D.O.B.: 02/18/1957
Qualifications: PA Judicial Leader for 10 yrs.;
Co-Chair, Allegheny Co. Interbranch Comm.
on Juvenile Justice; Member, PA Interbranch
Comm. on Juvenile Justice; Member, National
Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges;
Vice Chair, Juvenile Court Procedural Rules
Committee; Chair, Pittsburgh SAFE (Shared
Accountability for Education) Workgroup;
Member, Juvenile Court Judges’ Comm.; CoChair, Natl. Campaign to Stop Violence
Answers to Questions:
1) Yes, the Commonwealth includes the local
municipalities. The local municipalities have
not only the authority, but the responsibility
to conserve and protect their region “for
the benefit of all the people.” The local
governments have the authority to regulate,
not only because they are granted that
authority in the Pennsylvania Constitution,
but because as a policy concern, the local
municipalities are the entities best equipped
to make decisions regarding their own local
environment and factors that might affect
their land and air quality.
http://www.facebook.com/
justicestevensforsupremecourt
Republican
Anne covey
Occupation: PA
Supreme Court Justice
Bucks County
D.O.B.: 11/04/1959
Qualifications: Member, PA House of
Representatives; Luzerne Co. District
Attorney; Trial Judge on Court of Common
Pleas of Luzerne Co.; Superior Court Judge, 15
yrs. (President Judge, 2 ½ yrs.), Supreme Court
Justice, 2013 until current year
Education: Univ. of
Delaware, B.A., 1981;
Widener Univ. School
of Law, J.D., 1984
Occupation: Judge
of the Commonwealth
Court
Answers to Questions:
1) This case was argued in the Supreme Court
before I became a Justice and decided without
my participation. Based on the fact that I
would be offering my personal thought on
a decision made by my current colleagues,
without having read the legal briefs or hearing
the oral argument, I cannot comment. Since
the Constitutional Convention in 1968 no
member of the Supreme Court has ever been
in my situation in that as a current Judge I am
running in contested election, not for yes/no
Montour County
Education:
Bloomsburg Univ., B.S.,
1988; Dickinson School
of Law, J.D., 1991
Qualifications: Judge of the Commonwealth
Court, 3 yrs.; Board Member, PA Labor
Relations Board (first woman to serve on the
board), 9 yrs.; attorney in private practice, 27
yrs.
Answers to Questions:
1) Judges should follow the Pennsylvania and
United States Constitutions faithfully. The
legislative and executive branches enact the
laws and judges interpret those laws.
Occupation: Montour
Co. District Attorney
Qualifications: 24 yrs.
as an attorney - both civil and criminal
prosecution experience; 7+ yrs., District
Attorney/Asst. District Attorney
Answers to Questions:
1) As a judicial candidate, I do not believe it
is appropriate for me to comment on this case,
particularly considering the fact that this was
a plurality rather than a majority decision, the
Supreme Court remanded the case for further
consideration, and similar issues are being
addressed in various forums.
2) This question requires a judicial candidate
to render a decision with regard to Article 1,
Section 27 in the context of this case, which
I believe is prohibited by the ethical rules.
A judge is to be independent, impartial,
and avoid actions which would lead to
disqualification.
Facebook: Rebecca Warren for Supreme
Court Justice
Republican
mike george
Adams County
P E N N S Y LVAN I A' S U N I F I E D J U D I C I AL S YS TE M
SUPREME COURT
7 Justices
SUPERIOR COURT
15 Judges
COMMONWEALTH COURT
9 Judges
COURTS OF COMMON PLEAS
60 Judicial Districts 451 Judges
2) Yes, absolutely. See response above.
http://www.judgedwaynewoodruff.com
Republican
rebecca warren
2) As a general rule I support plain English
interpretations. Please see my answer to
Question 1.
D.O.B.: 10/06/1946
Allegheny County
Common Pleas
http://www.coveyforjustice.com
retention, and I must be careful not to engage
the Court in my campaign.
Correale Stevens
dwayne d. woodruff
Occupation: Judge,
Allegheny Co. Court of
2) I believe in interpreting the law as written
and ensuring all amendments are consistent
with our fundamental Constitutional rights.
D.O.B.: 11/26/1966
Republican
Democratic
Education: Univ.
of Louisville, B.S./
Finance, 1979;
Duquesne Univ. School
of Law, J.D., 1988
I believe we must strike a balance between
local control and uniform policy across
the state. We must also work for a healthy
environment while allowing for investment
and job creation. Developing the policies
to achieve these aims is the responsibility of
the legislative and executive branch, not the
judiciary.
Magisterial
District Courts
526 Judges
Philadelphia
Municipal Court
29 Judges
Philadelphia
Traffic Court
2 Judges
Pittsburgh
Municipal Court
13 Judges
D.O.B.: 02/25/1959
Education:
Washington &
Jefferson, B.A., 1981;
Dickinson School of
Law, J.D., 1985
Occupation: President
Judge, 51st Judicial
District Court of Common Pleas (Adams Co.)
Qualifications: 10 yrs. general practice; 6
yrs. District Attorney; 15+ yrs. as trial judge;
recognized by the PA Conference of State Trial
Judges for significant contribution to the legal
system
(continued on next page)
3
© Copyright 2015 LWVPA-CEF
Justice of the Supreme Court, con't.
Answers to Questions:
1) As my interpretation of Article 1, Section
27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution based
upon the factual scenario present in the
Robinson Township case involves issues
which may, in the future, be revisited by
the Supreme Court, I believe I am ethically
prohibited from direct comment on your
specific question. Personally, I am concerned
with the language in the plurality opinion’s
interpretation which improperly elevates the
Court to a legislative and policy making body.
2) The amendment should be interpreted
based upon its actual language as understood
by those at the time of adoption.
http://www.judgemikegeorge.com
Republican
cheryl allen
Allegany County
No response received.
Republican
judy olson
Allegheny County
D.O.B.: 10/1957
Education: St. Francis
Univ., B.A., 1979,
magna cum laude;
Duquesne Univ. School
of Law, J.D., 1982
(Class Rank-2/91)
Occupation: Judge,
Description of Office: The Superior Court
is one of Pennsylvania’s two statewide
intermediate appellate courts. This court,
which was established in 1895, reviews
most of the civil and criminal cases that are
appealed from the Courts of Common Pleas
in the Commonwealth’s 67 counties. The
Superior Court consists of 15 judges who
serve 10-year terms. The president judge of
Superior Court is elected to a five-year term
by his or her colleagues.
Education: Moravian
College, B.A., 1982;
Villanova Univ. School
of Law, J.D., 1985
For the questions asked of candidates for
Judge of the Superior Court, see page 1.
Democratic
Occupation: Judge of the
Court of Common Pleas
of Northampton Co.
alice beck dubow
Philadelphia County
Answers to Questions:
http://electjudgejudy.com
emil giordano
D.O.B.: 11/08/1959
Education: Univ.
of Pennsylvania,
B.S., 1981; Univ. of
Pennsylvania School of
Law, J.D., 1984
Qualifications: Judge of the Court of
Common Pleas, 2003-present.
Answer to Questions: I do not believe it is
appropriate to answer this question.
http://www.emilgiordanoforjudge.com
Occupation: Judge,
Court of Common Pleas
JUDGE OF THE
COMMONWEALTH
COURT
of Philadelphia Co.
Qualifications: Trial Court Judge, 8 yrs.;
Lawyer, 2 yrs.
Description of Office: The Commonwealth
Court is one of Pennsylvania’s two statewide
intermediate appellate courts. This court,
which was established in 1968, is unlike any
other state court in the nation. Its jurisdiction
generally is limited to legal matters involving
state and local government and regulatory
agencies. Litigation typically focuses on such
subjects as banking, insurance and utility
regulation and laws affecting taxation, land
use, elections, labor practices and workers
compensation. Commonwealth Court also
acts as a court of original jurisdiction, or
a trial court, when lawsuits are filed by or
against the Commonwealth.
Answer to Questions: The Code of Judicial
Ethics prohibits me from expressing a view that
would indicate how I would rule on a case and
unfortunately, a specific answer to that question
would require me to make such a statement.
http://www.judgealicedubow.com
Democratic
robert colville
Allegheny County
D.O.B.: 08/03/1965
Education: PSU, B.S.,
1989; Duquesne, J.D., 1992
Occupation: Judge
Qualifications: Only
candidate highly
recommended by PA Bar;
endorsed by PA AFL-CIO; Trial Judge, 16th
© Copyright 2015 LWVPA-CEF
Term: Ten years
Salary: $191,926
Vote for ONE.
For the questions asked of candidates for
Judge of the Commonwealth Court, see
page 1.
Democratic
todd eagen
Lackawanna County
D.O.B.: 09/31/1967
Education: Point Park
Univ., B.A., 1990;
Dickinson School of
Law, J.D., 1996
Republican
Northampton County
Qualifications: Judge of Superior Court,
5 yrs.; Judge of Court of Common Pleas of
Allegheny Co., 1 yr.; practicing attorney, 26
yrs.; highly recommended by PA Bar Assn.
The Commonwealth Court is made up
of nine judges who serve 10-year terms.
The president judge is chosen by his or her
colleagues for a five-year term. The court
generally decides cases in three-judge panels
and sits in Philadelphia, Harrisburg and
Pittsburgh.
http:// www.judgecolvilleforsuperiorcourt.
com
Term: Ten years
Salary: $191,926
Vote for ONE.
D.O.B.: 03/25/1959
2) I believe that a judge must always strictly
construe the plain language of constitutional
amendments and statutes in interpreting the
law.
Answer to Questions: I agree with the
plurality decision as I understand it. (This
reservation is of no small moment. As
intimated in the Opinion, it remains to be
seen how broadly, and in what specific factual
contexts the holding will be applied over
time). I agree that as a general proposition,
in the absence of indications to the contrary,
constitutional and legislative language should
be afforded its plain meaning, in order to
carry out the collective will of the people.
The constitutional language of Article I,
Section 27 plainly creates a trust protecting
the environment for the benefit of future
Pennsylvanians.
A huge volume of appeals flows to
the Superior Court from the trial courts.
Generally, appeals are heard by panels
of three judges sitting in Philadelphia,
Harrisburg or Pittsburgh. The court often is
the final arbiter of legal disputes. Although
the Supreme Court may grant a petition for
review of a Superior Court decision, most
such petitions are denied and the ruling of the
Superior Court stands.
Superior Court of PA
1) As a sitting judge, I do not believe that it is
appropriate for me to comment on whether I
agree or disagree with a decision rendered by
the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, especially
since there may be future litigation involving
the Act at issue.
yr.; Statewide Court of Judicial Discipline,
3 yrs.; President/Officer PA State Trial Judges,
7 yrs.; Ethics Committee, 4 yrs.; Juvenile
Court Rules Committee, 7 yrs.; PA Supreme
Court Law Clerk; Lawyer
JUDGE OF THE
SUPERIOR COURT
Occupation: Attorney
Qualifications: Law
Clerk, Federal Judge William J. Nealon,
1996-1997; Associate Attorney, Robert D.
Miriani, P.C., 1997-2004; Partner, Lightman,
Welby& Stoltenberg, LLC, 2004 to present;
represent PA State Troopers Assn. and PA
State Corrections Officers Assn. and various
other unions
Answers to Questions:
1) Yes. As the Pennsylvania Supreme Court
held, Article I, Section 27 does not serve
merely as a source of authority to justify
legislative action, but affirmatively creates
“an obligation on the government’s behalf
to refrain from unduly infringing upon
or violating the (environmental) right(s)
including by legislative enactment or
executive action.”
2) Yes, Constitutional interpretation, as the
plurality wrote, must begin with the plain
language of Article I, Section 27 itself. When
the words of the Constitution or legislation
are clear, they must be applied because the
intention of the drafters should not be denied.
http://toddeagen.com
Democratic
michael wojcik
Allegheny County
D.O.B.: 09/24/1964
Education: Juniata
College, 1986; Pitt Law
School, 1989, cum laude
Occupation: Senior
Counsel, Clark Hill PLC
(continued on page 6)
4
sustaining sponsorship
The League of Women Voters of the Lewisburg Area gratefully acknowledges
PPL CORPORATION
and its affiliates
and thanks them for their generous support of the educational activities of the LWVLA.
The League of Women Voters of the Lewisburg Area
would like to thank the following Union County businesses who so generously
contributed to the financing of the 2015 LWVLA Voters Guides.
VOTERS GUIDE patron
GRAHAM C. SHOWALTER
Attorney at Law
VOTERS GUIDE SUPPORTERS
Andrew D. Lyons
Law offices of Brann & Light
Terry W. Light, J.D.
Attorney at Law 570-523-3239
B.Z. Motors
Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram
RAL ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN
230 Market Street, Lewisburg
570-524-2300
Rt. 15, Lewisburg www.bzmotors.com
David R. Robinson, DMD, Dentistry
Daniel J. Clement
Attorney at Law
www.robinsondmd.com 570-523-3207
Coldwell Banker
Penn One Real Estate
Rose Pool and Patio
Route 15 South
www.rosepoolpatio.com
coldwellbankerpennone.com
Energy Technologies, Inc.
H.V.A.C.
Wehr's Beverage
Faustina's
www.westmiltonstatebank.com
Mifflinburg, PA
www.energyt.com
West Milton State Bank
Art • framing • design
229 Market St., Lewisburg
5
© Copyright 2015 LWVPA-CEF
Judge of the Commonwealth Crt., con't.
Qualifications: Municipal practice; Member,
Univ. of Pittsburgh Law Review, Vols. 49 and
50; Solicitorships: Allegheny Co. Controller,
2000-2003; Allegheny Co. Airport Auth.,
2012-present; Bar ratings: recommended
(PBA); highly recommended (ACBA)
Answers to Questions:
1) Ethical rules prohibit judicial candidates
from expressing an opinion on matters
that could come before the candidate, if
Republican
successful. Because Robinson Township is
plurality opinion, it is particularly concerning
as its precedential value is dubious. I can
comment, however that Robinson Township
sets out “foundational principles” concerning
Article 1, Section 27 that Commonwealth
Court is bound to consider in the future.
D.O.B.: 09/22/1970
Qualifications: District Attorney, 8 yrs.;
awarded for leadership by PA Bar Assn.,
recommended rating; Allegheny Co. Bar
Assn., highly recommended rating
Education: Univ. of
Pennsylvania, B.A.,
1993; Dickinson School
of Law of the PA State
Univ., J.D., 1996
http://www.lalley4judge.com
paul lalley
Allegheny County
2) Yes, unless the result of applying the plain
meaning would be cruel or absurd.
http://www.wojcikforjudge.com
Answer to Question: I must decline to
answer these questions because to do so
would violate my duties under the Code of
Judicial Conduct.
Occupation:
Sr. Associate Attorney
- Campbell, Durrant, Beatty, Palombo, &
Miller, P.C., Pittsburgh, PA
UNION COUNTY
COMMISSIONER
Description of Office: The three-member
Board of Commissioners constitutes the
chief governing board of the county. They
are responsible for policy-making, fiscal
management, and the administration of
the county. On the local level, they share
in implementation of state and federally
mandated services such as children and
youth services, mental health and mental
retardation services, and soil conservation.
They are also responsible for tax assessment
and administration, emergency services
and communication, planning, the conduct
of elections, upkeep of county buildings
and bridges, and economic development.
They appoint numerous county boards and
commissions.
Term: Four years
Salary: $60,000
Vote for not more than TWO.
Question posed to all candidates for County
Commissioner: What would be your top
three priorities if elected? Please be specific.
Democratic
John Showers
New Berlin Borough
D.O.B.: not provided
Education: Mifflinburg
Area H.S., 1970;
American Univ., B.A./
Political Science, 1974;
Univ. of Pittsburgh,
Master of Public
Administration, 1980
Occupation: Union Co. Commissioner
Qualifications: Union Co. Commissioner,
1976-1980, 2005-2015; State Representative,
Pennsylvania General Assembly, 1981-1988;
served on senior staff of Governor Robert
P. Casey, 1989-1990; owned and operated
together with wife Nancy Showers, The Inn
at New Berlin & Gabriel’s Restaurant, 19922006
© Copyright 2015 LWVPA-CEF
how we get our information
The response of each county and municipal candidate to our request for
information has been reprinted exactly as submitted. We reserve the
right to use standard abbreviations and consistent formatting, and to edit
from the bottom when the word limit has been exceeded. The League
of Women Voters of the Lewisburg Area thanks the League of Women
Voters of PA for the information gathered from the judicial candidates.
Answer to Question: Much of my time and
efforts are spent on programs directed towards
“alternative to incarseration”, (intervention
programs at all levels to keep individuals out
of our criminal justice system.) These efforts
are designed to make Union County a safer
place to live and to control increased social
cost to hold the line on tax increases.
Answer to Question:
1. Finally, beginning build out of industrial
development at Great Stream Commons,
providing life-sustaining wage jobs for valley
families. Priority as Commissioner and as
member of SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority.
2. Provide county leadership/role in
establishing a permanent public/private
partnership for the maintenance of and
enhancements to the Buffalo Valley Rail
Trail. This recreational resource, enjoyed
by citizens across county, should not only be
responsibility of two municipalities.
Republican
John H. Mathias
East Buffalo Township
D.O.B.: 07/11/1946
Education: Lewisburg
Area H.S., 1964;
Bucknell Univ.,
B.S.B.A., 1969;
Bucknell Univ., MSci/
Mathematics, 1972
3. Continue working with Linn Conservancy
and other conservation organizations, private
and public, preserving for all generations this
unique landscape (open space, air and water)
we call Union County.
Occupation: Union Co. Commissioner
Republican
Preston Boop
Qualifications: Union Co. Commissioner,
June 2009 to present; Chairman & CEO, The
JPM Company, 1981-2003, Vice President,
Finance & Administration, 1978-1981;
over 50 yrs. of combined service on various
Boards of Directors including Mifflinburg
Area School District, Evangelical Community
Hospital, Bucknell Univ., Metrologic
Instruments
Buffalo Township
D.O.B.: 04/30/1952
Education: Graduate:
PA Leadership
Institute; Graduate of
CCAP Academy for
Excellence in County
Government
Answer to Question: First, I want to further
the initiatives we began in our current term;
those being applying innovations in criminal
justice reform to improve lives and reduce
costs, economic development activities
including positioning Great Stream Commons
to attract employers; and implementation
Occupation: Union Co. Commissioner; Briar
Patch Organic Farm
Qualifications: Mifflinburg School Board, 11
yrs.; Union Co. Commissioner, 11 yrs.; SEDA
COG B.O.D., 11 yrs.; CCAP B.O.D., 2 yrs.
6
of software and technology in government
activities to improve efficiency. Building
on that, I want to develop meaningful
collaborative relationships with other counties
in the region to improve the delivery of
county services while producing cost savings,
to build upon Union County’s designation as
Pennsylvania’s healthiest county, and focus
economic development activities in support of
local businesses.
REGISTER AND
RECORDER
Description of Office: The person holding
this office has two sets of responsibilities.
As Recorder of Deeds, he/she is responsible
for keeping a permanent record of all real
estate transactions, deeds, mortgages,
easements (rights of way), subdivisions, and
restrictions on deeds. The office collects
real estate transfer taxes for the state,
townships, boroughs and school districts and
distributes the income monthly. As Register
of Wills, this office holder is responsible
for filing decedents' wills, for appointing
representatives to settle estates when there is
no will, and for computing and collecting the
state inheritance tax. In both positions, he/she
is responsible for the preservation of records.
Term: Four years
Salary: $66,234
Vote for ONE.
Democratic
No candidate filed.
Republican
Melissa s. shipton
Buffalo Township
D.O.B.: 07/13/1979
Education: Warrior Run
H.S., 1997; Bloomsburg
Univ.
Occupation:
Administrative Assistant
at H.L. Klose and Sons
Qualifications: Deputy Register and
Recorder, Oct. 2006-Dec. 2006; First Deputy
Register and Recorder, Dec. 2006-Sept. 2011;
First Deputy Recorder, Sept. 2011-Mar. 2012;
former Union Co. Republican Committee
member; former First Vice President of the
Union Co. Council of Republican Women
E L E C TI O N RE S U LT S W E B S I TE
Unofficial election results will be posted on the Union County website
as soon as they become available on election night. After accessing
the Union County Elections and Voter Registration Homepage at
www.unioncountypa.org, click on “Election Results” in the Quick Links box.
Republican
Lisa A. Seward
Mifflinburg Borough
TREASURER
D.O.B.: 08/24/1967
Education: Mifflinburg
Area H.S., 1985; Sun
Area Vo-Tech, 1985
Occupation: Union
County’s Acting Register
and Recorder
Qualifications: Union Co. Register &
Recorder Office: Deputy Clerk, 3 yrs.;
Deputy Register & Recorder, 6 yrs.; First
Deputy Register, 1 yr.; Chief Deputy Register
& Recorder, 2 yrs.; Acting Register &
Recorder since Aug. 1, 2014 to present
Republican
timothy l. brouse
Kelly Township
D.O.B.: 01/24/1967
Education: Lewisburg
Area H.S., 1985;
Pennsylvania College of
Technology, 1994
Occupation: Realtor
Qualifications: Realtor
since 2005; educated in Real Estate office
management, finance and law among
others; U.S. Army Veteran 1985-1988 and
activated for Operation Desert Storm serving
stateside 1990-1991 as a material control/
accounting specialist; Union Co. Republican
Committee since 2003 - Executive committee
member; Kelly Twp. committeeman;
member American Legion Post 182; coached
Lewisburg youth sports for many years;
married for 20 yrs.; have three daughters
www.facebook.com/
www.votefortimbrouse?ref=hl
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Description of Office: As chief law
enforcement officer in the county, the District
Attorney (DA) represents the people of the
county in all criminal matters. The DA carries
the burden of proof; i.e., he/she must produce
proof that an accused citizen committed a
crime beyond a reasonable doubt. In addition,
the DA oversees the operations of the
County Jail, is legal advisor to the Coroner,
and advises police agencies and other law
enforcement officials during investigations
Qualifications: Law Clerk to the Honorable
James F. McClure, Jr., 1984-86; Private
Practice, 1986-97; Assistant District Attorney
of Graham C. Showalter, 1991-95. As
District Attorney of Union Co. for the last 20
yrs. I will have personally prosecuted over
5,000 criminal cases. Experience, ability and
integrity are my qualifications. I humbly seek
your vote.
VO TI N G I N FO RM ATI O N
MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHERE TO VOTE
If you moved or can’t remember where you vote, call the Union County Elections
and Voter Registration Office at 570-524-8681 to make sure you go to the right polling
place. This information is also on your Voter Registration card.
ACCESSIBILITY AND ASSISTANCE IN VOTING
Any voter having questions regarding the accessibility of a polling place should contact
the Union County Elections and Voter Registration Office. Any voter who has a physical
disability that requires assistance in voting or using a voting machine may complete a
declaration at the polling place and receive assistance.
ABSENTEE VOTING
Registered voters who are ill, disabled, or will be absent from the municipality on Election
Day may vote by absentee ballot. You may get an absentee ballot application from the
Union County Elections and Voter Registration Office, Union County Government
Center, 155 North 15th Street, Lewisburg, PA, 17837. COMPLETED APPLICATIONS
for civilian absentee ballots must be received by the Union County Elections and Voter
Registration Office by 5 P.M., Tuesday, May 12, 2015. COMPLETED CIVILIAN
ABSENTEE BALLOTS must be received at the Union County Elections and Voter
Registration Office by 5 P.M. on Friday, May 15, 2015.
If an emergency arises (unexpected illness or business trip) after the Tuesday application
deadline and before the 5 P.M. deadline on Friday, call the county Elections Office for
information on emergency absentee voting. An emergency application and ballot can be
obtained and voted by 5 P.M. on Friday May 15, 2015.
ELECTION DAY PROBLEMS
If your right to vote is challenged at the polls on Election Day and the problem cannot be
resolved at the polling place, the Judge of Elections at the polling place will telephone the
County Elections Office. The problem could be resolved by phone if your name appears on
the county records. If it does not, you must be given the opportunity to cast a provisional
ballot. If it is determined that you are eligible to vote, your ballot will be counted.
WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK!
Poll workers are there to help you. They’ll show you how to work the machines and can
give you a provisional ballot if you need one. If you’re at the wrong polling place, a phone
call to the Elections Office should direct you to the right one.
If you registered to vote while applying for or renewing a driver’s license AND you have
received a Voter Registration Card, you are eligible to vote in this election.
Republican
and prosecutions. Furthermore, the DA
engages in community-based crime
prevention programs and is available to all the
citizens of the county who have questions or
concerns regarding criminal matters.
D. Peter Johnson
Lewisburg Borough
D.O.B.: 09/18/1955
Education: Gannon
College, B.S./Business
Administration, Cum
Laude, 1979; Dickinson
School of Law, J.D.,
1984
Term: Four years
Salary: $175,572
Vote for ONE.
Democratic
No candidate filed.
Occupation: District
Attorney of Union Co., 1996-2015
Description of Office: The Treasurer
is responsible for all county deposits,
withdrawals, and investments. He/she
maintains county revenues, handles all state
licensing (e.g., dog, hunting and fishing),
issues pistol permits for hunting and fishing,
as well as Small Games of Chance and
Bingo licenses to non-profit organizations.
The Treasurer also serves on the Salary and
Retirement Boards.
Term: Four years
Salary: $60,000
Vote for ONE.
Democratic
No candidate filed.
Republican
Diana Auten Weikel
East Buffalo Township
D.O.B.: 09/08/1950
Education: Lewisburg
Area H.S., 1968;
computer courses
Occupation: Union Co.
Treasurer
Qualifications:
Treasurers Office: Clerk, 1 yr.; Deputy, 6 yrs.;
Treasurer, 15 yrs.
AUDITOR
Description of Office: The three County
Auditors make sure that all money passed into
the Treasurer’s office by the various county
offices has been accounted for in the correct
amount, and they verify all monies paid
out. The audit is begun each year on the first
Monday in January and the Auditors work
until it is complete. A report is made to the
Court of Common Pleas.
Term: Four years
Salary: $166 per day
Vote for not more than TWO.
Democratic
Robert Sundin
East Buffalo Township
D.O.B.: 02/21/1948
Education: Henry Hudson Reg. H.S., 1965;
Rutgers Univ., B.A./History, 1969
(continued on next page)
7
© Copyright 2015 LWVPA-CEF
Union Co. Auditor, con't.
Occupation: Semi-retired IT Operations
Manager; Union Co. Auditor
Qualifications: Current Union Co. Auditor
Republican
Hartley Township
D.O.B.: 01/08/1959
Republican
Education: Mifflinburg
Area H.S., 1976
Buffalo Township
Occupation: Teller,
Mifflinburg Bank and
Trust
gayle foresman pletcher
D.O.B.: 06/1969
Education: Mifflinburg
Area H.S., 1987
Occupation: Union Co.
Auditor
Qualifications: Buffalo
Twp. Auditor, 4 yrs.;
Union Co. Auditor, 3 yrs.
Republican
carol manbeck
Buffalo Township
D.O.B.: 09/27/1960
Education: Selinsgrove
Area H.S., 1978;
Bloomsburg Univ., B.S./
Business AdministrationAccounting, 1982
Occupation: Union Co.
Auditor
Qualifications: Union Co. Auditor, 3 yrs.;
Union Co. Historical Society Office Manager,
15 yrs.; served as Treasurer for Mifflinburg
Area H.S. Band Boosters, 4 yrs.; served on
Church Finance Committee, 6 yrs.
Term: Six years
Salary: $88,290
Vote for ONE.
donna kahley gemberling
Democratic/Republican
Jeff Rowe
Lewisburg Borough
D.O.B.: 07/10/1980
Education: Lewisburg
Area H.S., 1998; Univ.
of Delaware, B.A. cum
laude, 2002; Univ. of
Maryland School of Law,
J.D., 2005
Qualifications: Bank
Teller, 8 yrs.; Hartley Twp. Tax Collector,
28 yrs.; former Auditor, Secretary, Treasurer
for Laurelton Women’s Club; Postmaster/
Replacement for Weikert Post Office, 13 yrs.
Occupation: Attorney
Qualifications: Private practice, 3 yrs.;
Asst. Public Defender, 5 yrs.; Sr. Deputy
Prosecutor, 1 yr.; Mental Health Review
Officer, 1 yr.; Asst. Solicitor for 3 school
districts, 3 yrs.; civil claims arbitrator, 3 yrs.;
qualified capital appellate counsel; volunteer
counsel for domestic violence victims;
President, Union Co. Chapter of Thrivent
Financial, 3 yrs.
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT
JUDGE
DISTRICT 17-3-01
One of two magisterial courts in Union
County, District 17-3-01 includes the
Borough of Lewisburg and the Townships of
East Buffalo and Kelly.
Description of Office: The minor courts, also
called the “special courts,” are the first level
of Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System.
There are 526 magisterial district judges
based in community courts throughout the
Commonwealth. The magisterial district
judge decides small claims, landlord-tenant
disputes, traffic cases, minor criminal matters
and civil suits, and conducts preliminary
hearings in serious criminal cases.
Magisterial District Judges may be members
of the bar of the Supreme Court or, before
taking office, complete an orientation course
and pass an examination in the duties of
their respective offices. They also must take
continuing legal education programs.
www.facebook.com/pages/
Jeff-Rowe-for-DistrictJudge/
359223270950842
Democratic/Republican
leo s. armbruster
Lewisburg Borough
D.O.B.: not provided
Education:
Montoursville Area
H.S., 1970; Edinboro
State College, B.A.,
1975; Harvard Law
School P.O.I.F.L.,
1987; National Judicial College, 1989
VOTE
© Copyright 2015 LWVPA-CEF
Occupation: Magisterial District Judge
8
Qualifications: Since 1980, I have provided
an impartial forum in PA's “People's Court”
- where most citizens receive their justice.
My proudest accomplishment is witnessing
the completion of over 10,000 hours of
community service by people charged with
minor violations. Payment of fines teaches
little, but giving back to the community
teaches much.
www.facebook.com/judgearmbruster
Democratic/Republican
malcolm herman
Kelly Township
D.O.B.: 1961
Education: Lewisburg
Area H.S.; Army Police
academy; IUP police
academy; over 2100
hours of continuing
education at PD
Occupation: Police Officer, retired, East
Buffalo Twp. / Buffalo Valley Regional
Qualifications: With over 30 years of
continuous law enforcement service, I am an
experienced public servant and crime fighter.
I will not tolerate violent crime, crimes
against children or crimes against senior
citizens. As a lifetime resident of Union Co.,
I share your rural values and will be a “no
nonsense” District Judge.
Facebook: Malcolm Herman for District
Judge
Township and Borough Offices
Republican
Buffalo Township
For the description of the office of Supervisor
and the question asked of candidates, see the
“Township Supervisor/Borough Council” box
to the right.
SUPERVISOR
Salary: $1,875 per year
Six-year term
Vote for ONE.
Democratic
No candidate filed.
Republican
ralph m. reish
D.O.B.: 10/26/1944
Education: Lewisburg
Area H.S.; Bucknell
Univ., B.A./Sociology
and Economics; graduate
level courses in Law and
Criminal Justice, 1971-
1990
Occupation: Worked in criminal justice in
prison administration approximately 40 yrs.,
retired 2009
Qualifications: Combat Medic, U.S. Army,
Vietnam; honorably discharged as Specialist
E-5; Adult Basic Education Instructor at the
US Penitentiary at Lewisburg; GED Instructor,
Education Counselor, Case Manager,
Case Management Coordinator; Associate
Warden and Warden at three Federal Prisons;
appointed to U.S. Senior Executive Service
Answer to Question: Local governments
are designed to provide services to local
residents. I believe each different township
and borough office presents unique budgetary
challenges. Consolidation is a good idea
when partners are all equal and when all
contribute on an equal basis.
I do believe that consolidation of shared
services could play an important cost-saving
role when contracting special services such as
insurance, purchasing, and medical insurance.
Finally, with all of the above being said, I
would conclude that financial issues are best
resolved at the local level by individuals who
were elected to create and to live by a strict
budget.
dan dietrich
D.O.B.: 01/04/1981
T OW N S HIP S U P E RV I SO R /BO RO U G H C O U N C I L
TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR
Description of Office: There are three Supervisors, one being elected every two years. Their
duties include setting policy, enacting ordinances and resolutions, adopting budgets and
levying taxes. The Supervisors are responsible for planning and zoning, providing for fire
and police protection, and the administration of financial affairs. They are also involved
with Central Keystone COG, SEDA-COG, sewer enforcement, recreation, mosquito
control, animal control, and other affairs affecting the health, safety and welfare of township
residents. The Supervisors are also responsible for road maintenance and evaluation of
road up-grade needs.
Term: Six years
BOROUGH COUNCIL
Description of Office: Borough Council members meet once monthly and are
responsible for passing ordinances that govern the borough and for enforcement
of the ordinances. In addition, each member serves on at least one committee
such as planning, police, public works, or finance.
Term: Four years
SALARY: Salaries of Township Supervisors and Borough Council members are listed
under those offices in the individual boroughs and townships.
QUESTION: The following question was asked of all candidates for Township Supervisor
and Borough Council:
To address growing financial challenges, some local governments are considering various
cost-cutting measures including joint service provision and/or regional consolidation. What
do you see as the pros and/or cons of these approaches for our area?
Education: Mifflinburg
Area H.S.
Occupation: Equipment
operator/Site foreman
Qualifications:
Road work and road
construction, 4 yrs.; Part time employee of
Buffalo Twp., 2 yrs.
Answer to Question: The benifits of the
consolidation of services,
• Less overhead including staffing and
facilities
The cons of the consolidation of services,
• No real way to tell cost savings until after
consolidation is complete
• Initial cost of consolidation (Moving,
housing services, and new equipment)
• Delay in services do to consolidation
(further travel, less employees, possibly
less equipment)
Republican
bob young
No response received.
Republican
darrell o. yost
D.O.B.: 05/02/1948
Republican
Republican
paul haines, sr.
joseph a. wise
D.O.B.: 12/28/1961
D.O.B.: 06/28/1960
Education: Mifflinburg
Area H.S., 1979
Education: Mifflinburg
Area H.S., 1980
Occupation: Dairy Farm
Laborer
Occupation: Road
Foreman for Buffalo Twp.
Qualifications: Owner/
Op Haines Exc., 11 yrs.;
Part time employee Buffalo Twp., 4 yrs.;
Owner/Op Haines dairy, 4 yrs.
Qualifications: Twp.
Supervisor/Chairman,
5 terms
Answer to Question: As a Supervisor and
Road Foreman of Buffalo Township, our
township has implemented an “Equipment
and Personnell Sharing Agreement” with East
Buffalo, Kelly, Union, White Deer and West
Buffalo Townships, whereas the townships
have at various times in the past informally
shared with or loaned to some or all of the
other townships and their equipment. Under
this sharing agreement each township has
been able to keep some of their costs to a
minimum, thus saving the taxpayer money.
Answer to Question: Several pros to
joint service provision and/or regional
consolidation are as follows:
1. Opportunities for new services as well as
expanded services
2. Cost sharing - spreads costs of services
amongst more constituents
3. Improved coordination of services example, two townships working together
on a paving project on a road shared by both
townships.
Four-year unexpired term
Vote for ONE.
Several cons to joint service provision and/or
regional consolidation are as follows:
1. Changes in structure and/or decision
making difficulties among leaders
Democratic
No candidate filed.
2. Distribution and control of resources and/
or money
Education: Lewisburg Area H.S., 1966;
Many Navy schools; Various Federal Bureau
of Prisons schools
Occupation: Retired from Federal Bureau of
Prisons & U.S. Navy
Qualifications: Buffalo Twp. Supervisor,
8 yrs.; Supervising in the navy and Federal
Bureau of Prisons
Answer to Question: Pros: Possible larger
Grants, shared equipment use and man power.
Cons: Much less control of your municipality
resulting in tax payers paying for services in
other areas than where they live and pay for
services they do not need.
AUDITOR
Description of Office: The three township
auditors meet several times after the first of
the year in order to audit the accounts of the
tax collector and all municipal officers as
well as all municipal accounts of any person,
organization or agency receiving or spending
municipal funds. Their audit is due April 1.
Terms: Six years; two-year unexpired
Vote for ONE for each term.
No candidates filed for either term in either
party.
3. Citizens satisfaction with regionalized
services
9
© Copyright 2015 LWVPA-CEF
Buffalo Twp., con't.
TAX COLLECTOR
Description of Office: A tax collector’s
responsibilities include collecting real estate,
per capita and other taxes for the county,
school district, and the municipality that
he/she serves. The tax collector prepares tax
notices for all taxpayers; accepts payments,
issues receipts, and turns over the money
collected to the appropriate taxing body; and
informs the authorities of any delinquent tax
accounts. He/she does not collect the 1%
earned income tax.
Term: Two-year unexpired
Vote for ONE.
No candidates filed in either party.
constable
Description of Office: The constable serves
warrants of arrest and civil summons for the
courts; sits as a guard over the polls on
election day in his ward of residence; and
issues citations for breaches of peace
committed in his presence, but only in his
own ward of residence.
Term: Six years
Vote for ONE.
No candidate filed in either party.
MIFFLINBURG SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
REGION 1
For description of office, the candidates
and their responses, see Mifflinburg School
Director, page 15.
East Buffalo
Township
For the description and term of the office
of Supervisor and the question asked of
candidates, see the “Township Supervisor/
Borough Council” box on page 9. For
descriptions of other offices, see their listings
under Buffalo Township, starting on page 9.
SUPERVISOR
Salary: $2,500 per year
Vote for ONE.
Democratic
thomas f. zorn
D.O.B.: 01/13/1953
Education: Gateway
H.S., Monroeville, PA;
Univ. of Pittsburgh, B.A.,
1974
Vote for ONE.
Find the League’s useful legislative directory, Facts for Voters, on line at
lewisburg.palwv.org, or pick up a copy at public libraries, post offices, banks, government
buildings and various businesses throughout Union County. The LWV thanks our longtime sponsors, Coldwell Banker Penn One Real Estate and Meixell-Diehl Insurance, for
funding this brochure.
No candidate filed in either party.
warrior run school
director
REGION 1
Qualifications: Twp. Supervisor, 5 yrs.
(current); Regional Police Commissioner, 3
yrs. (current); Administrator, Regional Police
Pension Plan, 3 yrs. (current); Board member,
BVRA, 2 yrs.; Municipal Advisory Board
member, William Cameron Engine Company,
2 yrs. (current); Ethics Advisor at The White
House, 1 yr.; Deputy Associate Director,
U.S. Office of Government Ethics, 6 yrs.;
Management Auditor (U.S. GAO), 7 yrs.
Gregg Township
For the description and term of the office
of Supervisor and the question asked of
candidates, see the “Township Supervisor/
Borough Council” box on page 9. For
descriptions of other offices, see their listings
under Buffalo Township, starting on page 9.
SUPERVISOR
Answer to Question: Municipal governments
in Pennsylvania today face the challenge of
trying to do more with less. With over 2500
municipal governments in Pennsylvania, it
is nearly impossible for each one to survive
on its own. Voluntary municipal cooperation
to share equipment and personnel, formal
intergovernmental agreements for shared
services, and ultimately municipal
consolidations are ways to ensure future
sustainability through economies of scale
resulting in increased efficiency, effectiveness
and cost savings. As long as municipalities
are willing to give up total control, municipal
cooperation and sharing can have a positive
impact that ultimately results in a stronger
regional community.
Salary: $1,875 per year
Vote for ONE.
Democratic
No candidate filed.
gloria Renn munsell
D.O.B.: not provided
Education: Shamokin
H.S.; Univ. of
Pennsylvania, School of
Nursing; Pennsylvania
State Association of
Township Supervisors
(PSATS) seminars and
accredited courses
Republican
No candidate filed.
AUDITOR
Terms: Six years; four-year unexpired;
two-year unexpired
Vote for ONE for each term.
No candidate filed for any term in either party.
Vote for ONE.
No candidate filed in either party.
LEWISBURG SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
For description of office, the candidates
and their responses, see Lewisburg School
Director, page 14.
Hartleton Borough
For the description and term of the office of
Borough Council and the question asked of
candidates, see the “Township Supervisor/
Borough Council” box on page 9. For
descriptions of other offices, see their listings
under Buffalo Township, starting on page 9.
BOROUGH COUNCIL
Four-year term
Vote for not more than TWO.
Democratic
No candidate filed.
Republican
Donna L. Purves
No response received.
Two-year unexpired term
Vote for ONE.
No candidate filed in either party.
Qualifications: Gregg Twp. Supervisor, Vice
Chair, 12 yrs.; Union Co. Association of Twp.
Officials, executive committee; Union Co.
Republican Committee, Gregg Twp. delegate;
Allenwood Federal Prison, public relations
committee; Organized Gregg Twp. Crime
Watch
Term: Six years
Vote for ONE.
AUDITOR
Term: Six years
Vote for ONE.
No candidate filed in either party.
10
No candidate filed in either party.
Occupation: Retired
Answer to Question: In 2005, Gregg
Township adopted a multi-municipal plan
which provides guidance and potential
economies for the township’s future growth
and development. Traditional units of
government will remain the best means
for public participation and representation;
however, mergers, consolidations, etc. of
selective governmental functions at every
level should be considered, if practical.
constable
Salary: None
Vote for ONE.
Salary: $15 per meeting
Republican
Occupation: Retired
Federal Employee,
Auditor/Analyst 1974-2008
© Copyright 2015 LWVPA-CEF
constable
FAC T S FO R VO TE RS
AUDITOR
No candidate filed in either party.
constable
Vote for ONE.
No candidate filed in either party.
MIFFLINBURG SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
REGION 3
For description of office, the candidates
and their responses, see Mifflinburg School
Director, page 15.
Hartley Township
For the description and term of the office
of Supervisor and the question asked of
candidates, see the “Township Supervisor/
Borough Council” box on page 9. For
descriptions of other offices, see their listings
under Buffalo Township, starting on page 9.
SUPERVISOR
Salary: $1875 per year
Vote for ONE.
Democratic
No candidate filed.
F I RS T - TI M E VO TE RS AT A P RE C I N C T
HAVE ID AND PROOF OF ADDRESS WITH YOU!
Voters appearing at a precinct for the first time must show identification (ID). If you
registered by mail, the first time you vote you must bring a photo ID, or other ID that
shows your name and address. Examples of valid forms of ID include: a valid PA driver’s
license or PA DOT ID card, any other photo ID issued by a U.S. or PA government agency,
a Voter Registration ID card, a valid U.S. Passport, student ID card, etc. If you do not
have one of these forms of ID, call the Union County Elections and Voter Registration
Office at 570-524-8681 to get a list of additional, acceptable forms of ID.
Answer to Question: A detailed analysis
would need to be done for the considered
municipalities and the services each provide
to determine how those services can become
one blended service.
MIFFLINBURG SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
Republican
barry p. hosterman
No response received.
Republican
harold e. zimmerman
No response received.
Republican
bradley wagner
D.O.B.: 02/13/1986
Education: Mifflinburg
Area H.S., 2005
Occupation: Work for
Midstate Mechanical
HVAC & Plumbing
Qualifications: I
have been a resident, registered voter,
and homeowner for 10 yrs. I am capable
of withholding a responsible community
leader position, over budgeting, regulating
procedures ensure smooth flow of operations
performed as a supervisor. Have maintained
a full time employment at Midd-State
Mechanical for 9 years and overseeing
jobs performed for the past 4 years skilled
in plumbing and heating, operated heavy
equipment, and performed maintence on
equipment, and able to use a shovel.
Answer to Question: not provided
AUDITOR
Term: Six years
Vote for ONE.
No candidate filed in either party.
constable
Vote for ONE.
No candidate filed in either party.
REGION 3
For description of office, the candidates
and their responses, see Mifflinburg School
Director, page 15.
Pros:
• Possible greater financial funding from
State & Federal Governments
• Community services may be expanded to
a municipality that didn’t formerly have
the service.
• Greater pool of equipment and employees
providing municipal services.
K e l ly T o w n s h i p
For the description and term of the office
of Supervisor and the question asked of
candidates, see the “Township Supervisor/
Borough Council” box on page 9. For
descriptions of other offices, see their listings
under Buffalo Township, starting on page 9.
Lewis Township
For the description and term of the office
of Supervisor and the question asked of
candidates, see the “Township Supervisor/
Borough Council” box on page 9. For
descriptions of other offices, see their listings
under Buffalo Township, starting on page 9.
SUPERVISOR
Salary: $100 per meeting
Vote for ONE.
Democratic
No candidate filed.
Republican
wayne klingman
D.O.B.: 09/27/1942
Education: Mifflinburg Area H.S., 1960
Occupation: Retired utility supervisor
Qualifications: Twp. Supervisor, 11 yrs.
Answer to Question: I understand the
necessity for these provisions to be used at
times, but my opinion is to be only used when
truly needed.
Cons:
• Some personnel possibly eliminated or
reduced as part of the consolidation
• Some services possibly eliminated or
reduced as part of the consolidation.
• Services may end up being more expensive
to provide.
• Taxpayers will have to deal with larger
government.
SUPERVISOR
Salary: $156.25 or $208.33 per month
Vote for ONE.
Democratic
No candidate filed.
AUDITOR
Republican
david hassenplug
Terms: Six years
Vote for ONE.
D.O.B.: 06/10/1958
Education: Lewisburg
Area H.S., 1976;
Williamsport Area
Community College,
1976-1978
No candidate filed in either party.
constable
Vote for ONE.
Occupation:
Communication Officer, Bucknell Univ.;
Administrative Assistant, Kelly Twp.
No candidate filed in either party.
LEWISBURG SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
Qualifications: Kelly Twp. Supervisor,
1998-present; Kelly Twp. Emergency
Management Coordinator, 2000-present;
Kelly Twp. Planning Commission, 19901997; Past President Union Co. Association
of Township Officials, 2006-2007; Kelly Twp.
Redevelopment Authority, 2006-2008; Past
Voting Delegate Pennsylvania Association of
Township Supervisors
For description of office, the candidates
and their responses, see Lewisburg School
Director, page 14.
11
AUDITOR
Term: Six years
Salary: $10 per hour plus mileage
Vote for ONE.
Democratic
No candidate filed.
Republican
richard d. troutman
No response received.
constable
Vote for ONE.
No candidate filed in either party.
MIFFLINBURG SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
REGION 3
For description of office, the candidates
and their responses, see Mifflinburg School
Director, page 15.
© Copyright 2015 LWVPA-CEF
Democratic
Lewisburg Borough Limestone Township
For the description and term of the office of
Borough Council and the question asked of
candidates, see the “Township Supervisor/
Borough Council” box on page 9. For
descriptions of other offices, see their listings
under Buffalo Township, starting on page 9.
BOROUGH COUNCIL
Salary: $100 per month
Vote for ONE.
WARD 1, 2, and 3
No candidate filed in either party.
WARD 4
Term: Four years
leo g. weidner
D.O.B.: 06/11/1951
Education: Honesdale
H.S., 1969; Penn State
Univ., BELED, 1974;
Bucknell Univ., M.S.,
1982
For the description and term of the office
of Supervisor and the question asked of
candidates, see the “Township Supervisor/
Borough Council” box on page 9. For
descriptions of other offices, see their listings
under Buffalo Township, starting on page 9.
Occupation: Retired
Qualifications: Board of Directors,
Mifflinburg Buggy Museum, 10 yrs.; Board
of Directors, Herr Memorial Library, 8 yrs.;
Board of Directors, SUM Child Development,
Inc., 5 yrs.; Elementary School Administrator,
20 yrs.
SUPERVISOR
Salary: $1,875 per year
Vote for ONE.
Democratic
No candidate filed.
Answer to Question: I think that joint service
provision and/or regional consolidation are
great ideas if such agreements are of mutual
benefit to the communities that will be served.
The people living in these communities would
need to be well informed of the reasoning
behind any pending decision and be given the
opportunity for input.
Republican
stanley l. bingaman
Democratic
No candidate filed.
No response received.
Republican
gary l. frederick
D.O.B.: 12/14/1948
Education: High
School G.E.D., 1969;
A.S.I., graduated
05/10/1974;
Williamsport Area
Community College –
now Penn State
Occupation: Worked for Lewisburg Borough
for 36 yrs. – started April, 1977; serve
U.S.A.F., 6 yrs.
Qualifications: Shop steward for over 20 yrs.
Local 3133 AFSME. Also as president of the
Local. Have 36 yrs. working with public and
Street Dept.
Answer to Question: I believe services will
be cut or slow down. And taxes will increase
and some jobs could be lost.
constable
Vote for ONE.
No candidate filed in either party.
LEWISBURG SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
For description of office, the candidates
and their responses, see Lewisburg School
Director, page 14.
AUDITOR
Such an approach would require
cooperation and commitment between the
parties involved. It would also require
fairness for all the community members to be
served by the agreement.
Term: Six years
Vote for ONE.
No candidates filed in either party.
constable
Republican
Vote for ONE.
richard j. fry
D.O.B: 03/26/1960
No candidates filed in either party.
Education: Mifflinburg H.S., 1978
MIFFLINBURG SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
Occupation: Federal Bureau of Prisons
(Power Plant Operator)
Qualifications: Nine yrs. U.S. Navy; Twenty
six yrs. with the U.S. Dept of Justice; life long
resident of Mifflinburg; currently serving on
the Borough’s Civil Service Commission; I
have a desire to help Mifflinburg grow into
the future and at the same time maintain the
small town values.
REGION 1
For description of office, the candidates
and their responses, see Mifflinburg School
Director, page 15.
Mifflinburg
Borough
Answer to Question: not provided
MIFFLINBURG WEST
For the description and term of the office of
Borough Council and the question asked of
candidates, see the “Township Supervisor/
Borough Council” box on page 9. For
descriptions of other offices, see their listings
Vote for not more than TWO.
Democratic
joe zimmerman
D.O.B.: 02/06/1951
under Buffalo Township, starting on page 9.
Education: Mifflinburg
Area H.S., 1969;
Multiple electric, water
and sewer training and
certifications
BOROUGH COUNCIL
Salary: $150 per month
MIFFLINBURG EAST­­­­­­
Occupation:
Vote for ONE.
Electrician
Qualifications: Vast knowledge of the
Borough of Mifflinburg’s electric, water,
sewer, park and all other components. Have
45+ yrs. of hands on experience. Retiring
© Copyright 2015 LWVPA-CEF
12
from the Borough as of December 31,
2015. Lifetime member of Mifflinburg
Hose Company; former Fire Chief; served
as Committee Member, Past President, Vice
President and Board of Director on many
Borough organizations and projects
Answer to Question: Working together
is what small town America is all about.
Combining forces or regionalizing can be
a good idea, but only when it benefits the
individual tax or rate payers. Historically,
mutual aid in our area has worked to
everyone’s advantage. Communities working
together is the key.
Republican
Tod M. Steese
D.O.B.: 07/05/1960
Education: Mifflinburg Area H.S., 1978
Occupation: Assistant to the Director Roupp
Funeral Home
Qualifications: Mifflinburg Council past 4
yrs.
Answer to Question: I am a firm believer in
supporting of our Mifflinburg police, fire &
EMS! I would never vote for lay-offs within
the ranks, & will do what I can to support
public safety for our residents. I would be
willing to listen to arguments, pro & against
regional consolidation. If this provision
would assist our public safety & not cost the
Borough additional monies, I would support
a study.
COnstable
Vote for ONE.
MIFFLINBURG EAST­­­­­­
No candidates filed in either party.
MIFFLINBURG WEST
No candidates filed in either party.
MIFFLINBURG SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
REGION 2
For description of office, the candidates
and their responses, see Mifflinburg School
Director, page 15.
New Berlin
Borough
For the description and term of the office of
Borough Council and the question asked of
candidates, see the “Township Supervisor/
Borough Council” box on page 9. For
descriptions of other offices, see their listings
under Buffalo Township, starting on page 9.
BOROUGH COUNCIL
Salary: $300 per year
Vote for not more than THREE.
MIFFLINBURG SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
REGION 1
For description of office, the candidates
and their responses, see Mifflinburg School
Director, page 15.
Democratic
No candidate filed.
Republican
Barbara L. Stamm
D.O.B.: 02/09/1949
Education: Mifflinburg
Area H.S., 1967
Occupation: Retired
Clerical Worker from
Commonwealth of PA,
38+ yrs.
Qualifications: New Berlin: Fire Co.
Ladies Auxiliary, 25+ yrs., Cub Scout’s
& Boy Scout‘s Committees, over 14 yrs.;
Recreation Association, Secretary, 18 yrs.;
Mifflinburg Area Little League Secretary, 3
yrs.; Emmanuel UCC Consistory member (8
yrs.+); New Berlin Activities Committee –
Current; CERT trained; New Berlin Borough
Council, 5+ yrs.
Answer to Question:
• Regional consolidation could lead to loss
of identity and heritage. The importance
of this loss and the costs to maintain them,
must be weighed by the “people”.
• The idea of a “consortium” of boroughs
and municipalities utilizing cooperative
purchasing power for purchases of
products such as road salt, fuel, etc. is a
good idea and is somewhat covered by the
use of the “state contract“.
• The purchase of “big ticket” items (i.e.,
heavy equipment) could be limited by each
municipality if a “equipment pool” was
established between municipalities.
• Too much consolidation could lead to loss
of jobs.
Republican
Julianne W. Finkbiner
No response received.
AUDITOR
Terms: Six years; four-year unexpired;
two-year unexpired
Vote for ONE for each term.
No candidate filed for any term in either party.
constable
Vote for ONE.
No candidate filed in either party.
Union Township
For the description and term of the office
of Supervisor and the question asked of
candidates, see the “Township Supervisor/
Borough Council” box on page 9. For
descriptions of other offices, see their listings
under Buffalo Township, starting on page 9.
SUPERVISOR
West Buffalo
Township
White Deer
Township
For the description and term of the office
of Supervisor and the question asked of
candidates, see the “Township Supervisor/
Borough Council” box on page 9. For
descriptions of other offices, see their listings
under Buffalo Township, starting on page 9.
For the description and term of the office
of Supervisor and the question asked of
candidates, see the “Township Supervisor/
Borough Council” box on page 9. For
descriptions of other offices, see their listings
under Buffalo Township, starting on page 9.
SUPERVISOR
SUPERVISOR
Salary: $150 per month
Vote for ONE.
Salary: $1,875 per year
Vote for ONE.
Democratic
No candidate filed.
Democratic
No candidate filed.
Republican
Republican
D.O.B.: 08/28/1960
No response received.
david h. galer
Salary: $150 per month
Vote for ONE.
carroll w. diefenbach
Education: Mifflinburg Area H.S., 1978
Democratic
No candidate filed.
Occupation: Sales and Business Manager,
Seedway LLC
Qualifications: Twp. Supervisor, 27 yrs.
Republican
Answer to Question: not provided
william r. allred, jr.
No response received.
AUDITOR
Term: Six years
Vote for ONE.
No candidate filed in either party.
AUDITOR
AUDITOR
Term: Six years
Salary: $10 per hour
Vote for ONE.
Terms: Six years; four-year unexpired;
two-year unexpired
Vote for ONE for each term.
Democratic
No candidate filed.
No candidate filed for any term in either party.
Republican
constable
constable
Term: Six years
DISTRICT 1, 2, and 3
No candidate filed in either party.
DISTRICT 4
Vote for ONE.
matthew t. bowersox
Vote for ONE.
D.O.B.: 08/17/1967
Democratic
No candidate filed.
No candidate filed in either party.
Education: Mifflinburg Area H.S., 1985;
Susquehanna Univ., Graduated
Republican
Occupation: Sales Associate
LEWISBURG SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
Qualifications: Twp. Auditor, 4-6 yrs.
For description of the office and the
candidates and their responses, see
Lewisburg School Director, page 14.
constable
Vote for ONE.
Union-Independent
No candidate filed in either party.
MIFFLINBURG SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
For information on Supervisor and Auditor,
see Union Township above.
REGION 2
james e. messinger
MILTON SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
REGION 3
Term: Four years
Salary: None
Vote for not more than TWO.
Democratic/Republican
Robert l. seebold
Democratic/Republican
David c. edinger
For description of office, the candidates
and their responses, see Mifflinburg School
Director, page 15.
MIFFLINBURG SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
REGION 1
For description of office, the candidates
and their responses, see Mifflinburg School
Director, page 15.
13
© Copyright 2015 LWVPA-CEF
LEWISBURG and Mifflinburg AREA SCHOOL DISTRICTs
LEWISBURG SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
The Lewisburg Area School District includes
Lewisburg Borough, and the townships
of East Buffalo, Kelly, and Union. School
Directors are elected at large, representing
all municipalities in the district.
For the description of the office of School
Director and the question asked of
candidates, see the “School Directors” box to
the right.
Editor's Note: The order of these candidates
on the ballot differs depending on one’s party
affiliation. Therefore, the candidates are
listed in alphabetical order by party, rather
than in ballot order.
Four-year term
Vote for not more than FIVE.
Democratic/Republican
Mary Howe
D.O.B.: 02/14/1965
Education: ConcordCarlisle H.S., 1983;
Mount Holyoke College,
B.A./Biochemistry,
1987; Univ. of
Washington Seattle,
Ph.D./Zoology, 1996
Occupation: Medical/Science Writer/Editor
Qualifications: LASD School Board
Director since 2011; EBT Bike Ped
Committee Member 2009-2013; Chairperson
of the LASD Green Pathways Committee,
2013
Answer to Question: Academic programming
and development of co-curricular/
extracurricular opportunities that support an
inclusive and ever-improving curriculum for
students will always be my top priorities;
these are essential to student success.
Therefore, all levels of staff development and
support will continue to be a primary focus.
Happily, LASD employs excellent, diligent
educators; consequently, staff and curriculum
development is always ongoing in the
LASD. Technology development and facility
maintence/improvement are important to
curricular improvement and therefore to me.
Athletic programs can be greatly enriching;
therefore, I will continue to encourage the use
of athletics in support of educational efforts.
My thanks to LASD educators.
S C H OOL D I RE C T O R S
Description of Office: School directors are citizens elected to work as a group to
formulate policy for the school district, approve budgets, and decide how much money
in taxes the school district will have to raise each year. Board members attend monthly
school board meetings as well as study sessions and special committee meetings
Term: Four years
Salary: None
Question: The following question was asked of all candidates for School Board
Director in both Lewisburg Area and Mifflinburg Area School Districts:
In what order would you, as a potential school board member, place the following
priorities for your district: athletics, core academic programming, extracurricular
opportunities (music, art, clubs, etc.), facilities maintenance/expansion, and technology
development? Please explain.
Democratic/Republican
Kathy K. Swope
D.O.B.: 09/20/1957
Education: Susquehanna
Univ., B.A./Elementary
Education
Democratic/Republican
Democratic/Republican
erin jablonski
Myrna G. Perkins
D.O.B.: 07/31/1979
Occupation: Freelance
Writer (Self Employed)
D.O.B.: 12/19/1958
Education: Rutgers,
B.S./M.S./Chemical
Engineering, 1999/2001;
Iowa State Univ., Ph.D./
Chemical Engineering,
2002
Education: Bucknell
Univ., B.A.
Occupation:
Administrative Assistant
– Intercultural Equity &
Advocacy Department,
Occupation: Associate Professor of
Chemical Engineering, Bucknell Univ.
Bucknell Univ.
Qualifications: Lewisburg Area School
Director – 7 ½ yrs.
Qualifications: I am a mother of two with 15
yrs. of experience working with K-12 students
in enrichment programs. As Director of PreCollege Engineering Programs at Bucknell
University I oversee Engineering Camp and
Project Lead the Way. I have instructed K-12
outreach programs including the ISU Talented
& Gifted Program and Women in Science and
Engineering.
Answer to Question: Lewisburg’s education
system is successful because of our
synthesis of academics, vocational studies
and extracurricular activities. Our student’s
measured excellence attest to such.
Our charge is to best prepare our students
for post high school. We must aptly balance
resources to achieve the correct measure of
teachers, facilities, and endeavors so as to set
them on the right path. To date, we have risen
to this very challenge.
Answer to Question: My first priority for
our district is our academic programming.
I will advocate for all extracurricular
activities, including athletics, so that every
student can pursue their interests regardless
of their personal means. I support the use
of educational technology and providing
resources for hands-on learning. I feel that
all of the properties and buildings in our
district should be well maintained to ensure
an environment conducive to learning, but as
a relatively small district with a significant
local tax burden we should be mindful of how
much expansion we can afford while fully
funding our academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs.
Yesterday is past, yet it remains a superb
teacher and a validation. Tomorrow we must
press ever forward in balancing our precious
resources to provide for our very future.
Democratic/Republican
Fred f. Scheller
D.O.B.: not provided
Education: Shikellamy
H.S., 1976
Occupation: Employed
by The Daily Item for
39 yrs. and is currently
the GM
www.facebook.com/
erinjablonskiLASDboard
Qualifications: I
has a business background, experience in
negotiating, and have been on the school
board the past 6 yrs. I am currently the VP of
the board.
Democratic/Republican
michael payne
No response received.
© Copyright 2015 LWVPA-CEF
Answer to Question: I do not place a
priority on any single area. Our children are
individuals and their priorities are different.
To fulfill the needs of each student, it is
important that we are strong in all areas. We
can’t take our eye off of one for another. I
believe that is what makes the Lewisburg
Area School District so successful. Also, in
addition to a good education, I feel obligated
to make our kid’s high school experience
positive and fun.
14
Qualifications:
Lewisburg Area School Director, 17 yrs.;
Board President, 8 yrs.; Board Vice President,
6 yrs.; Accredited Master School Director;
2015 President-elect, Pennsylvania School
Boards Association (PSBA); PSBA Board of
Directors, 7 yrs.; PSBA Standards & Ethics
Commission Co-Chair; PSBA Governance
Committee Chair; National School Boards
Association, PA Delegate; Susquehanna
River Region Early Learning Investment
Commission Member, 3 yrs., Strategic
Planning Committee Chair
Answer to Question: I believe all of the
programs, tools, and opportunities cited in the
question are essential and work in concert to
provide students with a quality 21st century
education, and cannot be prioritized because
it would vary for each child individually.
Our vision to customize learning to meet
the individual needs of each child requires
a variety of programs, activities and tools in
order to accomplish that goal. We infuse the
arts and technology into the core curriculum
to develop the whole child and prepare
students for a global society. Facilities must
provide spaces for diverse programs of
teaching and learning.
Democratic/Republican
jay walsh
D.O.B.: 06/27/1972
Education: Upper
Perkiomen H.S., 1990;
Allentown College St.
Francis De Sales, 1991;
Pennsylvania College of
Technology, AS, 1994
Occupation: Carpenter
Qualifications: Business owner, 14 yrs.
Answer to Question: I believe that our core
academic programming should be first, it is
critical that our children continue to gain the
knowledge of the basic fundamentals which
will allow them to have a strong foundation
for their future learning. Technology
development is essential in that it allows
for nontraditional learning with access
to knowledge anywhere. Extracurricular
activities are very important because they
enable students to interact and grow outside
of the classroom. LASD has maintained
its buildings as well as they could and held
off expansion until absolutely necessary.
Athletics promote team work, life skills and
time management.
for applied learning as well as character and
leadership development that cannot be refined
in the classroom alone. Technology is at the
forefront of the future; we must do our very
best to prepare our children for success in
that future. Solid infrastructure remains a
necessary part of the educational process.
MIFFLINBURG SCHOOL
DIRECTOR
The Mifflinburg Area School District consists
of Buffalo, Hartley, Lewis, Limestone, UnionIndependent and West Buffalo Townships,
plus Hartleton, Mifflinburg, and New Berlin
Boroughs. School Directors are elected to
represent specific municipalities.
MIFFLINBURG REGION 2
Includes Mifflinburg Borough and West
Buffalo Township
Vote for not more than TWO.
For the description of the office of School
Director and the question asked of
candidates, see the “School Directors” box
on page 14.
Term: Four years
Salary: None
Democratic
No candidate filed.
Republican
bradly daLe swartz
MIFFLINBURG REGION 1
Republican
jordan w. fetzer
D.O.B.: 08/09/1987
Education: Lewisburg
Area H.S., 2006;
Bucknell Univ., B.A./
Spanish and Sociology,
2010
Occupation: Small
Business Owner
Qualifications: not provided
Answer to Question: The first priority as a
potential school board member is the core
academic programming. In my opinion,
academic content is the basis of the education
systems in our country; our focus should
remain on the content of what we teach future
generations. With an evolving technological
world, the technology development needed
to enhance the students’ capabilities is
another main focus. As a recent graduate
from Lewisburg and Bucknell, I truly believe
the technology in place drastically improved
my education. Athletics and extracurricular
activities certainly help to build character
and a well-rounded individual, but are lower
priorities than the core academics.
Two-year unexpired term
Salary: None
Vote for ONE.
Democratic/Republican
erin jablonski
(See listing under Four-year term.)
Republican
jordan w. fetzer
(See listing under Four-year term.)
Includes Buffalo and Limestone Townships,
the Precinct of Union-Independent, and New
Berlin Borough
Vote for not more than TWO.
No response received.
Democratic
No candidate filed.
Education: Williamsport Area Community
College, Certificate in Mechanical Drafting,
1974; Bloomsburg State College, B.A./Art
History/Art Studio, 1980; Univ. of Delaware,
College of Urban Studies & Public Policy,
attended until 1983
Republican
Dennis w. Keiser
D.O.B.: 02/11/1953
Republican
Ken Wright
D.O.B.: 07/21/1965
Education: East Juniata H.S., Cocolamus,
PA, 1983; Univ. of Pittsburgh, B.S./
Microbiology, 1987
Occupation: Retired
Qualifications: Mifflinburg School Board
Director for the past 3 ½ yrs.; Board Member
for the Central Susquehanna Intermediate
unit for the past 3 yrs.; Trained Boy Scout
Leader in Mifflinburg for the past 16 yrs.;
Leadership Susquehanna Valley Class of
2011; Mifflinburg Volunteer of the Month,
January 2011
Occupation: Safety Specialist, Merck & Co.
Qualifications: MASD School Board
Member, 8 yrs.; Board President, 2013 –
present; Board Treasurer, 2011 - 2013
Answer to Question: Academics,
extracurriculars, infrastructure and technology
all play an integral part in the education
process. Clearly academic development will
always be at the core of education, however,
extracurricular activities provide the forum
Answer to Question: I believe that a solid
core academic education program must
come first, followed by strong programs in
art and music in order to provide a balanced
Join us in making our communities
fair, vibrant and strong
If you found this Voters Guide informative and helpful, consider joining the League
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Visit: lewisburg.palwv.org
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educational experience. Our district needs a
well-rounded athletics program that will meet
the needs of all students. And we must keep
our facilities updated and maintained.
I believe in providing the best education
for all of our students, while still being
fiscally responsible.
MIFFLINBURG REGION 3
Includes Hartley and Lewis Townships, and
Hartleton Borough
Four-year term
Salary: None
Vote for ONE.
Democratic
No candidate filed.
Republican
bob mulrooney
D.O.B.: 02/12/1949
Education: Bishop Shanahan H.S., 1968;
West Chester State College, B.S./Edu., 1975
Occupation: Semi-retired
Qualifications: Teacher ’76 – ’78; Asst.
Superintendant, Chester Co. Parks & Rec.,
’78 – ’83; Ag. Business, ’84 – present; Hartley
Twp. Planning Board, ’04 – ’07; Hartley Twp.
Municipal Auth., ’14 – Present; Mifflinburg
Area School Board Member, Current
Answer to Question: not provided
Republican
NEIL SHOREMAN
D.O.B.: 07/10/44
Education: Educated in England, 2 yrs.
Tech. College; came to U.S., 1966; worked
as estimator for various area construction
companies; co-founded SUN Precast Co.,
1978; retired 2012
Occupation: CEO, SUN Precast Co.,
McClure, PA (retired)
Qualifications: School Board Director over
10 yrs.
Answer to Question: Today’s driving force
is funding! Trying to keep the school system
functioning on level state subsidies and
declining property tax revenues, versus large
demands for PSERS payments, plus mainteng
our buildings can become “all absorbing”.
Clearly, academics is priority. Whether that
be via technology, or conventional methods
is always a challenge. Athletics, music, art
clubs, certainly “round out” our students
and also keeps them from other destructive
distractions.
Two-year term unexpired
Salary: None
Vote for ONE.
No candidates filed in either party.
© Copyright 2015 LWVPA-CEF
POLLIN G PL ACES
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
LEWISBURG 1Senior Center, 116 N. 2nd St.,
Lewisburg
LEWISBURG 2Union County Court House lobby,
103 S. 2nd St., Lewisburg
LEWISBURG 3 Larison Hall, Bucknell Univ.,
521 St. George St., Lewisburg
LEWISBURG 4 St. John's United Church of Christ,
1050 Buffalo Rd., Lewisburg
BUFFALO 1
Township Bldg., 2115 Strickler Rd.,
Mifflinburg
BUFFALO 2
The Youth Center,
3150 New Berlin Mtn. Rd.,
Lewisburg
E. BUFFALO 1 Township Bldg., 589 Fairground Rd.,
Lewisburg
E. BUFFALO 2 Public Library for Union County,
255 Reitz Blvd., Lewisburg
E. BUFFALO 3 Donald Eichhorn Middle School,
2057 Washington Ave., Lewisburg
E. BUFFALO 4 Weis Center, 525 Weis Drive,
Bucknell Univ., Lewisburg
LIMESTONE
MIFFLINBURG EAST Mifflinburg High School,
75 Market St., Mifflinburg
MIFFLINBURG WESTFirst Evangelical Lutheran
Church, 404 Market St., Mifflinburg
W. BUFFALO Township Bldg., 577 Johnstown Rd.,
Mifflinburg
GREGG Warrior Run Fire Dept. Social Hall,
188 White Deer Ave., Allenwood
HARTLETONUnion Church, 115 Catherine St.,
Hartleton
HARTLEYCommunity Center,
1724 State Rt. 235, Laurelton
NEW BERLINCommunity Center, 318 Vine St.,
New Berlin
UNION/ Township Fire Company,
UNION-
40 Municipal Lane, Winfield
INDEPENDENT
WHITE DEER 1 Municipal Bldg., 2191 Creek Rd.,
New Columbia
WHITE DEER 2New Columbia Civic Bldg.,
224 3rd St., New Columbia
WHITE DEER 3 Community Park Bldg.,
992 White Deer Pike, White Deer
KELLY 1
Township Bldg., 551 Zeigler Rd.,
Lewisburg
KELLY 2United in Christ Lutheran Church,
1875 Churches Rd., West Milton
LEWIS
Township Bldg., 3840 Wildwood Rd.,
Mifflinburg
Township Bldg., on the Village Green,
WHITE DEER 4 St. John's United Church of Christ,
116 Maple St., Millmont
Social Hall, 214 Tabernacle Rd.,
New Columbia
If you are reading this Guide and find the information useful, consider joining the League
of Women Voters. Contact us at 570-522-9254 or [email protected], or visit our website
lewisburg.palwv.org
© Copyright 2015 LWVPA-CEF
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