Race for County Offices Heats Up (Video Report)
by Christopher Miller
LOCK HAVEN – Besides the fall foliage and crisp early morning air there is another familiar sight that has bloomed across Clinton County like so many pumpkins and acorns scattered about. Campaign signs, and lots of them.
A very informational Meet the Candidates event was held last night at the Clinton County Courthouse. Sponsored by the American Association of University Women, candidates for various county and city offices met to discuss their political views on many topics such as tackling substance abuse, improving public services and attracting business to the local area.
Sitting county commissioners Joel Long ( D ), Pete Smeltz ( R ) and Jeff Snyder ( R ) are seeing a new candidate running for the Democratic party Paul Conklin. Conklin echos many of the sitting commissioners views on attracting business to the area and increasing recreational opportunities; however, he would like utilize more resources available through State Representative Mike Hanna’s office and former Lock Haven Mayor Rick Vilello now serving in Harrisburg.
The Clinton County Commissioners are in agreement that there needs to be a way to engage more youth to participate in local government.
A question posed to all commissioner candidates was, “how would you encourage (specifically) young women to become actively involved in politics?” While Commissioner Joel Long said that, “more interest (in county government) is needed in general,” Jeff Snyder added, “I do not see it as a role of county government, I see it as a role of family. If my child wants to show horses, I am going to take him or her to a horse show…at that horse show, you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.” And that, “the 29% voter turnout in the primary this year is shameful, because a lot of people gave up their life for our right to vote, but we can never give up.”
Democratic Candidate Paul Conklin stated that, “in the future I would like to see a female county commissioner.” It is recorded in the history of Clinton County that there have been and currently are active women in elected positions such as Treasurer, Register/Recorder and Prothonotary, but not that of Commissioner.
Another big ticket item discussed by the Commissioner Candidates was that of substance abuse. While Snyder argued that the people of Clinton County would benefit from a drug task force, Commissioner Smeltz would like to corral new and existing resources to combat the issue and prevent abuse.
One of the important issues facing the county on Commissioner Joel Long’s mind is the need for regional police. “Too many people, specifically in western Clinton County, have to rely on state police for assistance when needed.”
The race for District Attorney puts Democratic nominee Dave Strouse up against Republican Fred Lingle. Strouse, who has been lead counsel in over 1,700 cases since 2009 is a big advocate for the good work that he has seen with Clinton County Treatment Court. “With 15 participants in the program, it was the highest level of supervision that I have ever seen,” he stated. “Unfortunately with our current administration in the District Attorney’s office that number keeps rising and you don’t see it dwindling often.”
Lingle, the Republican candidate, see’s himself as a “District Attorney for all” stating that there is no committee in charge of his election and he is accepting no finances toward his campaign. He has worked with members of the police force in the past and he prides himself in the ability to work with and please others. When asked what the first step is in combating local drug problems, he replied by saying that “a lot can be done by the prevention of bullying in our schools.” “I would be pleased to meet with school administrators, teachers and parents to begin tackling this problem early,” stated Lingle.
The love and passion of law enforcement is what brings Democrat Kerry Stover to run against Republican Ed Higgins for Clinton County Sheriff. Stover, who currently serves as a Sheriff’s Deputy, could bring a blend of life and work experience to the position. Speaking to inmates in a calm, cool manner is something that he prides himself on.
Higgins, also a lifelong resident of Clinton County brings over 30 years of experience in security with him as he seeks the title of County Sheriff. Holding numerous certification such School Resource Officer and District Judge, Higgins would like to see and implement changes in security in the local schools and government buildings.
In other news tonight, Castanea Township resident Boise Miller (D) is running against Jeff Johnston ( R ) for Keystone Central School Board’s Region 8. Boise, also known as Bo is quoted as having many “creative thoughts” that he would like to bring to fruition as a member of the school board. Known for his computing and technical skills through his career at Lock Haven University and volunteer experience with KC Net, Bo would like to bring about “change and transformation” with KCSD. Miller’s opponent Jeff Johnston was absent.
Clinton County Register/Recorder Jennifer Hoy is running against Democratic candidate Jason Walker. Hoy, who prides herself on being able to oversee $1.2 million in checks and balances is also happy to report that her office has had spotless audits with both state and county auditors. Jason Walker, who is seeking the office of Register/Recorder presented the following quote, “the only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” “Though I do not see myself as a success yet, that is only because I am not yet done working towards being a success,” Walker exclaimed.
In all, approximately 70 people were in attendance for last night’s meet and greet.
