Brinker, Long Talk Up Lock Haven at Mayoral Debate

LOCK HAVEN – The two candidates for Lock Haven Mayor answered questions for an hour at a candidates’ forum Monday night. Democrat Joel Long and Republican Jeff Brinker were both upbeat about the city’s future.

Long, a former Clinton County Commissioner and currently city council vice-president, and Brinker, a political newcomer and a faculty member at Central Mountain High School, responded to questions from event sponsor, the Lock Haven Express and the audience in attendance at the Lock Haven Elks Lodge.

Brinker emphasized communication and “reconnecting” with the community as he called for the city to upgrade its Facebook and social media offerings. Long stressed his experience, 12 years on city council and 8 years as a county commissioner.

Brinker chided UPMC/Lock Haven Hospital for the health care facility’s pending attempt to get its property removed from the tax rolls. He declared that UPMC is not a “non-profit,” a position UPMC has taken in its assessment appeal. Relative to the city’s tax base, Brinker pounded the table as he exclaimed, “That’s nuts!” that he pays more than $4,000 in real estate taxes, more than tax-exempt Lock Haven University pays the city for services provided.

Long noted that expectations come at a cost and that services provided have to be paid for. He said the new Geisinger Medical Clinic announced for the city will help to stave off future tax increases.

Asked what the city is lacking, Long said Lock Haven is a “great city” and that “higher paying jobs would be nice,” that the city should work with Lock Haven University to grow its enrollment, and improvements should be made in the city’s housing stock. Brinker emphasized that he wants “to listen to you,” to improve communication so that prospective city residents can “see what’s out there.”

In response to a similar question, what is needed to attract families, Long pointed to the continued expansion at First Quality and the planned Renovo Energy Center. He said improvements are being made at the Keystone Central School District and said he was “excited” about the changes there. Brinker said the area needs to keep Lock Haven University graduates in the community, that the area “lost our identity” through public school consolidation.

Both agreed that Lock Haven is a “safe community” and both were positive in their closing comments. Long stated he loves Lock Haven, “a great place to live and raise a family.” Brinker said he was “one piece in a huge puzzle,” and that he wants “to be part of the solution in the next journey.”

Clinton County’s municipal election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 5.