Annual GOP Lincoln Day Dinner held
by Christopher Miller
FLEMINGTON – The annual Lincoln Day Dinner took place last Saturday night at the Flemington Red Eye Center. The evening, broken up by a delicious dinner at half-time that was catered by The Cottage Restaurant in Lamar, offered numerous opportunities for state and local candidates to mingle, solicit signatures to be included on the ballot, and to speak on their respective campaign platforms.
Below are brief descriptions of the speeches given by candidates and other elected officials in attendance.
PA Supreme Court
Judge Carolyn Carluccio (GOP Nominee)
Current President Judge in Montgomery County, Carolyn Carluccio has successfully served 14 years on the bench. A former Federal Prosecutor, Carolyn prides herself in being able to “work with anyone and anything” and who has the “management skills and electability to win.” “I will get the job done as your next PA Supreme Court Judge, and I appreciate your support.”
Judge Patty McCullough
“This election will impact the future of Pennsylvania,” Judge Patty McCullough began. “I have practiced as an attorney in the private and public sectors, and I will hit the ground running on day one,” she said. “I will uphold the rights and liberties of the office, and I am willing to take a stand for the people, because we are the people.” Patty prided herself on only answering to God and to the people. “The lives of our children, and our children’s children are on the line with this election.”
PA Superior Court
Judge Harry Smail
Judge Harry Smail is a graduate of Grove City College and Duquesne University. “I do not legislate from the bench, I follow what the law says,” Smail said. “I am here to be of service to you, and I am the judge of judges.” There are only two openings on PA Superior Court which are currently uncontested going into the Primary.
PA Commonwealth Court
Megan Martin
Her first time in Clinton County, Megan Martin talked of her three points that make her the best candidate in her campaign: she is conservative, brings one-of-a-kind experience with her to the office, and electability. “My parents instilled in me the values I hold dear to me today, and the work ethic I received from my father who is 91 years old and started working when he was only eight.” Speaking of needs, Pennsylvania needs “fair, impartial, independent judges and judges who are not afraid to hold government accountable.” Megan described herself as the “best candidate with a 30-year career of service, who knows government, and who is your November candidate.”
Josh Prince
Running for PA Commonwealth Court, John Prince was proud to mention that he brings “actual experience” to the office. “I have been defending rights in state and federal courts, dealing with the COVID mandates that forced the closure of law firms (that we fought and won within 48 hours) and restaurants,” Prince said. “I will defend civil rights, and all that I have ever asked in the past is for the court to uphold the law and Constitution which I intend to do.”
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity
“Let’s vote for candidates that can win in the general election,” Garrity said. “Let’s elect school boards that respect families, and elect judges that rule the law as written.” Stacy described the need to fight for personal freedoms, and to fight against government overreach. “I need you to tell your neighbors about the Republican candidates and to get involved…let’s take back our country.” “This is our opportunity to start winning again.”
US Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson
Glenn, who generally claimed to “not like judges drawing lines” was absolutely not complaining about the lines he received in the most recent redistricting. “I am very happy to be back here, and it is good to be home,” Thompson said. “There are so many critical races this year and these decisions that we make of who to vote for will effect our lives directly.” Thanking the current candidates for public office and their family members, Thompson went on to say that he has a great team working on our behalf, and that “nobody does it better than the American farmer.”
Republican of the Year Vicki Adams
Vicki Adams, the Clinton County Republican Headquarters manager, was presented with a 2023 Silver Dollar by Party Chairman Kurt Smith, as she was presented with the award of Republican of the Year. “This is the first time in my 17 years of presenting the award, that she knew she was getting it ahead of time,” Kurt said. Vicki, who said she was not much of a public speaker, was thankful most for the volunteers who donate their time so selflessly to come to the center daily.
Court of Common Pleas Judge Mike Salisbury (seeking retention)
“It is so refreshing, and it renews my sense that we (Republicans) will save this country,” Judge Mike Salisbury began. “We have reached a point in society where we reward people who do the wrong thing, and punish those who do the right,” Salisbury explained. “We do not treat our veterans fairly, in my humble opinion, which is why we created Clinton County Veterans Court to reduce or eliminate jail time for veterans, establish mental health support groups, and if they succeed, have sentenced or charges reduced or dismissed.” Salisbury then went on to explain the success of the program, and how he was tasked to create a Regional Veterans Court, starting in July, with other local counties signing on. “I would like to continue my work, and would love your endorsement, support, and your vote.”
Magisterial District Judge candidates
Keith Kibler, District 1
Keith Kibler, the lone candidate for Magisterial District Judge for District 1, is a lifelong resident of Clinton County residing in McElhattan. Previously holding the position and title of City of Lock Haven Police Chief prior to his retirement, Keith enjoys volunteering with the local Rotary, Salvation Army, building beds with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and volunteering with the Great Island Race Series.
Kristin Smith, District 2
Running for Magistrate for District 2, Kristin Smith has a strong background in law enforcement having been a patrolwoman, first female to achieve corporal, detective, sergeant and chief of police for the City of Lock Haven. “My plan was not to stay here, to get experience and leave, but I fell in love with the area and made it my home,” Kristin said. “I know the law and how to apply it and I am not afraid to make the tough decisions in court.” Smith went on to say that she is committed to examine both sides and to deliver fair, just, unbiased verdicts.
Heidi Wright, District 2
A registered voter and Republican since age 18, Heidi Wright said she has always made moral choices and followed her moral compass. “I entered the workforce to help the health care system and I am currently up for the ACES Award with my employer at UPMC,” Heidi said. “I have a strong work ethic, I encourage others and lead by example.” A little league coach and KCSD volunteer, Heidi said she brings with her the old-fashioned, conservative values of God, respect, and honesty as the best policy. “Even though I have held jobs unrelated to the judicial system, I have enrolled myself in certifying courses in Harrisburg for prospective Magisterial District Judges,” Wright said. “I will foster a relationship with the local schools, will aim to keep students in the classroom, be tight on crime, work hard everyday, and I look forward to being the next Magisterial District Judge for District 2.”
Jeremiah “Jed” Hill, District 2
Also running for Magisterial District Judge, Jed Hill has a professional career in environmental work for the past 21 years. “I have navigated the maze of environmental laws for many years and have taken part in hundreds of projects that have sharpened my skill set, leadership, and decision-making skills,” Jed said. As well, he has a long history of volunteering with local youth sports teams such as soccer, little league, and basketball. “Why run,” he asked, “well the position is finally available after 20 years,” he said. “I am confident that I am the right candidate even though I do not yet have courtroom experience.” “I will learn and educate myself on the law, and I am confident in my strong personal skills and traits that I will bring to the office.”
County Commissioner
Doug Byerly
Current Lock Haven City Councilman Doug Byerly announced his candidacy this year for Clinton County Commissioner. “I have been coming to these (dinners) for many years,” he started. “I came here in 1999 for a job at Lock Haven University and I am very happy to have been here for these past 25 years in my adopted home.” Currently in his second term as City Councilman, Byerly sees local government as the place “where all the work gets done.” His campaign platform is made up of three points: economic development and taking what we do well and do it even better, finding new revenue in an “outside of the box” way rather than taxing, and striving to find ways to get people interested in becoming first responders or shared-emergency-services among municipalities.
Jeff Snyder
“It is refreshing to see so many conservative Republicans here,” Jeff started. “I need to thank my wife for putting up with a lot over these last 44 years of our marriage,” he said. Jeff said he has put in a great deal of time and energy in a multitude of projects during his time as County Commissioner, and is “committed to seeing them finished.” Snyder mentioned the many rural areas around the county that lack access to the internet, and that his office is working on grant funding to remedy the internet situation. He also spoke dearly of UPMC Lock Haven Hospital becoming an outpatient center, and how he met with hospital executives when the announcement was made of changes to the local hospital. He also spoke of various affordable housing issues for middle-class senior citizens and veterans and how affordable housing is currently “not happening here.” He also spoke at length over the many policies and struggles with the state agency Department of Environmental Protection stating that they are “out of control” and “the way they operate needs to be restructured.”
Jim Russo
Local builder and life-long resident Jim Russo announced his candidacy for Clinton County Commissioner. Aside from serving in the past as an Allison Township Supervisor and on various local boards and authorities, Jim prided himself on the company he helped to build, employing between three and 30 employees during his time with the business. “If I get the opportunity, I will give you 150%, just like I told my employees in the past,” Jim said.
County Prothonotary Cindy Love, presently uncontested
“I love this job so much,” Cindy stated. “I had no idea who my staff was when I started and took office.” She was very proud to say that nobody works for her, but rather, “we all work together.” A lifelong resident of Clinton County, Cindy started working in the courthouse while in high school for then-District Attorney Bernard Dohrmann. “It is a great honor for me to swear-in people for to be jurors, it is a great honor that I take very deeply,” she said. When describing what she has done in the office since taking office, Cindy explained the book program she started for children accompanying their parents as they fill out legal forms and documents. “Some people come into my office to file for divorce, or for Protection from Abuse documents, or custody hearings, so we started a program where people can bring in children’s books and coloring boots so the children can have something to do while mom or dad is taking care of paperwork,” she said. “And we let the children take the book home with them.” Cindy also explained how a future project will be to digitize some of the oldest county records that date back to the mid-1800s which have become, “very crispy and crunchy” in her words.
Register & Recorder Jennifer Hoy, presently uncontested
Jennifer, who originally took office in 2013, is running for Register & Recorder. “My office runs very smoothly and I am very happy with my office staff and those who come to my office for general questions and research,” she said.
County Auditor
Cathy Gedon
Cathy, a newcomer in the political race for local office, said that she is backed by 30 years of applicable banking and finance experience with her to the office of County Auditor. “I worked for three local banks in all sorts of positions such as Teller, Supervisor, and in the vault,” Cathy said. “I then worked at a start-up mortgage company auditing loan files, preparing audits as needed, and I am also a Notary and serve on various Boards such as The Salvation Army, and Downtown Lock Haven, Inc.”
Brooke Fravel
Brooke Fravel, a current County Auditor and realtor, said she was responsible for the capital campaign for Lock Haven Catholic School to add the middle school. Since County Auditors are responsible for auditing the revenues and expenses for each department and office in Clinton County government, Brooke took the office in 2020 which she described as a “tough learning experience” due to the many global changes of the COVID-19 virus. “I don’t feel like I am done in this office yet,” Brooke said. “I’m just getting good at it.”
Jacqui Anastos
Delivering the shortest speech Saturday night, Jacqui Anastos thanked those who trust and believe in her for the office of County Auditor. “I look forward to support in May,” she said.
76th District State Rep. Stephanie Borowicz
“Thanks for putting me back in this position,” Stephanie began. “It’s time we start calling good “good” and evil “evil,” she said. “They are coming for our freedoms and liberties, and we are not going away from what is right and what is truth…our eyes are on Jesus and we are His people.” Borowicz said she is beyond honored to be the State Representative for the 76th District.
25th Senatorial District Cris Dush
“I am so blessed, so very, very blessed to have the largest legislative district by area east of the Mississippi, bigger than Connecticut,” Dush said. “I am so glad to say that my folks here have common sense…when I come home, I come home to real people.” Dush pushes to stand for Christ first, he said, as the Constitution goes as far back as Mount Sinai roots. He also claimed that, “we have to hire people that will stay in their lane” asking the crowd to get out there, volunteer, and talk to your neighbors to get out and vote.
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