The 2017 political race gaining the most attention in Centre County is for top prosecutor. Democrat Stacy Parks Miller has held the position for the past seven years, but this year she is being challenged by local attorney Bernie Cantorna.
With the primary election right around the corner on Tuesday, May 16, both candidates are wrapping up their campaigns. Their campaign styles could not differ more.
The Cantorna campaign began by collecting signatures for petitions to appear on the ballot. Events such as a coffee open house in Millheim, a meet-and-greet at Webster’s Bookstore in State College and a fundraising ‘Breakfast with Bernie’ in College Township drew a lot of attention. The campaign also participated in State College Borough Democrats’ and Centre County Democrats’ petition events.
After he received the necessary petitions, and then some, Cantorna began attending events and shaking hands. A ‘Women for Bernie’ event was held at New Leaf Initiative and ‘Wings with Bernie’ was held at the Hublersburg Inn. He held meet-and-greet events at Duffy’s Tavern in Boalsburg and Happy Valley Winery, and a ‘Coffee with Bernie’ at Cool Beans in Bellefonte.
“Bernie has personally knocked on doors in Rebersburg, Millheim, Centre Hall, Spring Mills, State College, Snow Shoe, Clarence and Patton and Ferguson townships,” said Dianne Gregg, Cantorna’s campaign manager. “He’ll be getting out to Philipsburg, Harris, College and Halfmoon townships by midweek. We have volunteers knocking on doors around the county.”
“The response has been positive,” Cantorna said. “The citizens of Centre County have been gracious and welcoming. This has been an enjoyable experience.”
On Friday, a wrap-up and thank you party will be held for all volunteers of the campaign at the Boalsburg Fire Company.
Parks Miller has been in the courtroom, judges’ chambers and with crime victims and their families for the majority of the campaign season. She said she has not had time for door-to-door campaigning.
“Working for the people does not end at 5 p.m. or exclude weekends,” Parks Miller said. “Recent big cases have limited my time to visit with constituents in person. My primary duty is doing this job right for victims.”
Parks Miller said when she has been able to get out, she has attended several events, including numerous breakfast engagements and the recent Pomona Grange dinner. She said she received “very positive feedback and support” for her re-election campaign.
“People expressed sincere gratitude for the work we have accomplished in the last seven years improving the DA’s office, fighting crime, locking up murderers, child abusers, drug dealers, rapists and battling drugs and protecting the community with our initiative and education,” said Parks Miller.
FAMILIAR FOES
Cantorna and Parks Miller are no strangers to one another. They have battled, her as a prosecutor and he as a defense attorney, several times in the courtroom.
In 2015, Parks Miller and her staff were accused of being corrupt by Cantorna and a handful of other lawyers. After months of legal battles, a grand jury issued a report saying it found no wrongdoing by Parks Miller; however, he raised the topic again when he announced his candidacy for DA
During his press conference, Cantorna said the DA’s office has lost its integrity and its ability to work with other offices within the county. He also talked about the alleged public mistrust of Parks Miller, referencing corruption allegations.
Parks Miller fired back immediately, issuing a press release denouncing Cantorna’s experience for the position while reiterating that she was cleared of any wrongdoing by a state court.
In just a few days, the campaigning will conclude for both Democrats when the polls officially open, on Tuesday, May 16.
“This election must be about qualifications to do this job right, period,” said Parks Miller. “This is a calling for me and I have much more work to do for our community as crime evolves. I am asking for your vote on May 16 so I may continue to keep our families safe and maintain our standard of living.”
“We need a district attorney who will put the interests of Centre County first, who will protect the public and at the same time work in partnership with the community and law enforcement to solve the challenges that face us,” said Cantorna. “I humbly ask the voters for their support.”
