The material in this guide was compiled by the candidates and the League of Women Voters of Centre County with assistance from the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania. This material may not be altered or reprinted without the permission of the LWVCC. Each candidate’s reply has been printed as submitted by the candidate.
Candidates were invited to participate in the Vote411 online voter’s guide via email. All reasonable efforts were made to encourage candidates to participate. The candidates listed are those whose names appear on the ballot as of when the ballot was approved by the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Candidates are listed according to their party and then alphabetically. Nothing in this guide should be construed as an endorsement or non-endorsement of any candidate, party or initiative by the League of Women Voters.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Each candidate was asked the following question: If elected, what will be your top three priorities and how will you address them?
BELLEFONTE AREA BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
DEMOCRAT/REPUBLICAN
Jennifer Barnhart
Education: BA, communication arts and sciences, Pennsylvania State University
Campaign website: win4bellefonte.com
Answer: Ensuring students are exposed to all paths of success, educating the whole student and teaching how over what to think are my focus. All are important and start with redefining success whether it’s through careers, post-secondary education, or volunteer work. As a public school district, it’s important to realize the values of each student and support their strengths and interests to help shape our community’s character.
The policies and personnel that we surround our children with are examples of what we hope for them to become and surpass. We empower administrators, teachers, and staff to advocate for courses, field trips, speakers, college visits, job shadowing and extracurricular activities to educate the whole student.
As a board member, I will continue to serve our community to inspire personality, ethics, positivity, and individual success. I encourage my community to get involved and make an impact on the continued success of our district.
Patrick Vincent Buck
Education: BS, mechanical engineering
Campaign website: win4bellefonte.com
A: 1. Ensure the district is focused on the safety and security of the students and staff with a goal of one SRO per building. The district should be evaluating how to leverage technology, as well as allocating the necessary funds with safety as a top priority.
2. Focus on preparing students for life after graduation. Ensure students have the necessary life skills to be successful as adults. This includes providing them with multiple paths to success, including post secondary education, technical skills and exposure to opportunities in the trades. Work with local businesses to foster relationships with the students prior to graduation that can be used as a jump off for future opportunities (co-ops).
3. Prioritize improved academics by using data analysis to drive results and track progress. Ensure the district is using clear and defined metrics to drive success and allocating the resources necessary to achieve those goals. Prioritize critical thinking and STEM initiatives.
Nate Campbell
Education: Pittsburgh Technical College
Campaign website: Nate Campbell for Bellefonte School Board on Facebook
A: My top priorities will be to continue the work that I have been involved with while on the board.
New Bellefonte Elementary: While serving on the building committee I have been involved in working to get to the design phase of the project that we are now in. It has taken many meetings and lots of consideration to get to this point and will take even more to get to the finish line. This is such a needed project that I want to see it to the finish.
Test Scores: While on the board for only a year, I have been part of the push to use all of the testing data that we have to identify where the districts strengths and weaknesses are. Using this data will help the board decide where to spend resources for the best education possible.
Students: As a board member it is my duty to make sure that all students have the same opportunities and support that they need. I will continue to listen to students, parents and district employees to help direct my decisions.
Paul Dombrowski
Education: PhD Communication & Rhetoric, RPI; MEd Counselor Education: MA English; BA Mathematics
Campaign website: Paul Dombrowski on Facebook
A: 1. Student safety – Students must feel safe in order to learn. Seek state and national best practices and funding; offer anonymous, open reporting of threats and concerns by students and parents; foster sense of safety and peace rather than a fortress mentality. Cultivate cooperative activities. Train trauma identification and intervention for teachers and staff.
2. Funding equity, state and federal — Deploy existing advocacy mechanisms, public service messages; flyers and emails to parents and civic organizations. Grow teacher salaries for happier teachers. Make equity a theme throughout the school system including interpersonally.
3. Curricular truthfulness and honesty — Require non-selective, fact-based, science-based history, civics, sciences, reading and library and other courses. Screen curricular changes to ensure curriculum and instructional materials are not conditional on individual or local preferences, but on established facts.
Julie Fitzgerald
Education: BS, psychology, Ursinus College; MS, educational leadership, Central Connecticut State University
Campaign website: Not provided
A: 1. Continue to focus on student learning by setting high standards for achievement that prepare students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Provide the necessary staffing, curriculum and technologies for all levels and types of learners.
2. Ensure healthy educational environments by providing the staffing, training, resources, technologies and mental health supports that enable the district to maintain safety and security in school buildings. Address the aging elementary schools to ensure that facilities are conducive to learning. Promote a positive school climate through policies that effectively address bullying and harassment.
3. Engage, communicate and seek input from the community on district priorities while maintaining fiscal accountability and transparency. Develop long term budget plans that address facility needs, building maintenance and other major expenditures to preclude spikes in property taxes.
Timothy D. Kessling
Candidate did not respond.
Denelle Korin
Candidate did not respond.
Darrell Sharp
Education: BS, electro-mechanical engineering, Penn State
Campaign website: win4bellefonte.com
A: A successful completion of the new Bellefonte elementary school building is essential. This will occur through very open communication with the community and ensuring the new building meets the educational needs for many generations of BASD students.
Equally important is ensuring students are taught how to think and not what to think. We must keep indoctrination and ideologies out of our schools. Teach our students critical thinking skills so that as adults they can form their own opinions and values. This in turn leads to good citizens and strong communities.
Lastly, ensure students are exposed to the various paths of post-graduation success available to them. Too much emphasis tends to be placed on attending college. That is the correct path for some, but not all of our students. The military might be the best option for some while others should seek certification in a skilled trade field. Discuss all of those options fairly and informed families can make the best decision.
Donna Smith
Education: BS, education; master’s equivalency
Campaign website: re-elect-donnasmith.org
A: Priority one as a current board member is continued support of the district’s proposal for a new elementary building. After assisting with evaluations and early decision-making, I am well equipped to use this information, along with community input, to usher this project through to completion. I will continue to advocate that deferred maintenance projects be addressed.
I am passionate about responsible funding of cyber-charter schools, as our work exposes a straight line from excessive charter tuition to increased local taxes. I will not stop until this issue — one that can save Bellefonte $1 million in tuition costs a year — is corrected and students are unharmed from subpar for-profit cyber charter schools.
Finally, our students’ future is an uncertain one. Their workforce will surely look different from ours. I support and encourage measures to ensure our graduates are future ready for a 21st century world. After all, this is our ultimate responsibility.
Kimberly Weaver
Education: BA, education
Campaign website: win4bellefonte.com
A: As a school board member since 2015, one of my top priorities is to ensure the continued success of addressing learning gaps across the district. Constant review of assessments and the steps that we are taking for growth in all areas is a must. We need to continue to seek better strategies to help our students learn. The next priority is open and honest communication across the district. Transparency is critical when it comes to effective decision-making. Providing students, parents, and teachers with available information regarding the topic at hand will instill trust in the board and the district. Last but not least, strengthening the district’s partnership with CPI will provide our students with several options for success after graduation. CPI has proven itself to be a champion of student success after high school, and providing resources to continue this is of the utmost importance.
Joe Yech
Education: Western Michigan University, Frostburg State University
Campaign website: Joseph Yech on Facebook
A: Our educational system should be focused on providing the best for all our students. Three of my focus areas are:
Educators. Kids are the most important part of the educational system. Educators deliver that education, directly engaging our students. I will always ask myself how decisions we make as a school board will affect educators. My personal objective will be to not make their jobs more difficult. I believe in our teachers and staff.
Schools: We are building a new elementary school. I want to be involved in the decisions ensuring this is a viable school for our students and community for the long-term future.
Fiscal Responsibility: As a taxpayer in the school district, I will be cost conscious when decisions are made. Expenditures should benefit the students and community in a tangible way by helping our educators deliver the educational experience that ALL our children deserve.
It’s about kids.
STATE COLLEGE AREA BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
DEMOCRAT/REPUBLICAN
Amy Bader
Education: BA, biology, Temple University; MA, biology, Temple University; VMD School of Veterinary Medicine at University of Pennsylvania
Campaign website: slateforstate.com
A: Given the opportunity to serve another term, my focus would be to support and expand upon SCASD’s strategic plan. Stakeholders from throughout the community came together to set goals and a roadmap to achieve them in the coming years. The most recent plan embeds equity work throughout and places it at the foundation of the district’s work. Within this plan are other important issues to address, such as greater supports and improved out comes for various groups, such as students receiving special eduction.
Additionally, I would continue my support of facility replacement and maintenance. The district has achieved tremendous gains in addressing deteriorating buildings, but has still to tackle Park Forest Middle School, which will be a major project to complete in the near future.
Finally, related to the strategic plan, I want to see SCASD continue to grow in its ability to support the whole student and make each one feel a sense of safety and belonging.
Nathan Bish
Education: Not provided
Campaign website: Not provided
A: These are not listed in any particular order, but first I will start with school security. We need to ensure that our buildings and grounds are 100% secure. I will work with local law-enforcement to ensure options are available both at the school district’s expense, but more importantly at the expense of local law-enforcement, with taxes that have already been paid. Parent involvement is another issue I will focus on. We need to get back to where school districts and parents are a 50-50 partnership. No decision should be made for a child unless a parent is aware of them. We need to stop the secrets. Complete fiscal responsibility will be my last subject to focus on. We need to not only make sure that monies are being spent wisely, but also focus on ways to cut taxes and not just have a spend-first attitude for every issue that arises.
Gretchen Brandt
Education: BA, international affairs and Germanic studies, University of Colorado; MA, public administration, Central Michigan University; Phd (ABD), political science, Penn State University
Campaign website: slateforstate.com
A: I would like to continue to serve on the board and strive for equitable academic excellence for all students. I assess priorities and votes based on my principles and the district’s strategic plan. Second, to maintain trust and transparency so that all families in the district feel included and valued. This is achieved by prioritizing good process. I would like to continue my work with SCASD and the surrounding local governments through my work with the council of governments. Having served as the chair of the Solar Power Purchase Agreement Working Group, I have the knowledge and experience to help bring this consortium together to pool electricity and find a grid-tied utility solar project that can meet our current and future demand. Additionally, I would like to continue to champion the adoption of inclusive design, renewable energy, prioritize the sustainable design and construction of Park Forest Middle School, and to be a leader in the district’s transition to electric school buses.
Anne Demo
Education: PhD, speech communication, Pennsylvania State University
Campaign website: slateforstate.com
A: My first priority is supporting the well-being of all students as they pursue academic success and the foundation for fulfilling lives. Because I provided learning support in SCASD classrooms during the pandemic, I know what district policies feel like for teachers and learners. That experience well-prepares me to address relevant but overlooked stakeholders and issues.
My second priority is developing smart budgets that retain and support our expert teachers without overburdening taxpayers. Pennsylvania ranks 45th in educational spending nationally. I welcome the opportunity to support advocacy efforts for fair public education funding in Pennsylvania.
Finally, I will prioritize communication with the community. In my 25+ years teaching and supporting learners, I’ve developed a practice of deep listening. It’s the difference between sharing information and finding the “just right” resource for a struggling student, overwhelmed parents, or concerned community members.
Barry Fenchak
Candidate did not respond
Daniel Kolbe
Education: Philipsburg-Osceola Area High School; Penn State
Campaign website: slateforstate.com
A: My primary focus is on promoting inclusivity, supporting the strategic plan and advancing the curriculum. Inclusive school environments are crucial for the academic and emotional well-being of all students, especially those who encounter identity-related barriers. Policies and curricula that prioritize inclusivity have positive effects on mental health, academic outcomes, and reduce obstacles to success. To achieve district goals and priorities, it is essential to support SCASD’s current strategic plan, which serves as a roadmap for the district’s mission and ensures proper resource allocation. In addition, it is imperative to implement research-supported curricula that are relevant, engaging, and aligned with the latest educational standards, preparing students for college and career success. These priorities will enable the SCASD board to ensure equitable access to a high-quality education in a safe, inclusive learning environment, empowering students to succeed.
John Krajcovic
Candidate did not respond
Megan Layng
Education: MA, applied linguistics/TESOL; BA, Spanish and English
Campaign website: United4scasd.org
A: 1. Parents. I would advocate for school board office hours where board members would be available for conversations with parents. For all the “listening” that happens in board meetings, many parents don’t feel very heard. There is a kind of expertise that cannot be taught and cannot be replaced. It is positional authority, by virtue of being a parent. This domain must be respected.
2. Teachers. Teachers should be trusted to teach their subject matter according to their conscience and their training, and in recognition of a common humanity. Teachers should not be burdened with the responsibility of creating group think in the arena of values. To build relationships, I would like to see the board having meaningful conversations with teachers.
3. Students. Students are individuals first, with individual value, needs, and with common humanity. Cultivating mutual respect and civility is essential to a safe and trusted environment where kids can be kids again.
Aaron Miller
Education: PhD, human development and family studies
Campaign website: slateforstate.com
A: I will focus on academic success for all students, building trust and transparency with teachers and the community, and exercising good fiscal stewardship of district resources. As a member of the school board, I intend to work collaboratively to promote education and provide the necessary guidance for our administration to move forward. I will also emphasize the importance of social emotional learning in our schools, mental health, and promote new opportunities for students to succeed outside in our career and technical center.
Michelle Young
Education: MS, systems technology; MS, military science and international relations; BA, political science
Campaign website: united4scasd.org
A: 1. Advocating for an environment, particularly among students, where our commonalities are celebrated and eliminate the “us vs them” mentality. Rather than approaching relationships between individuals or groups thinking about all the potential ways they are different; it is more beneficial to gravitate to similarities, building relationships that will often supersede our differences or make them irrelevant.
2. Increasing opportunities for formal partnerships between the school board and families, the community, and teachers. Partnerships to resolve the inadequate communication and a lack of transparency contributing to an ongoing distrust between these entities.
3. Increasing viewpoint diversity. Though the board represents the viewpoints and opinions of much of the SCASD population, it is an ideologically homogenous group in danger of operating in an echo chamber and is lacking representation of the viewpoints of at least a third of the SCASD community.
Laurel Zydney
Education: Public Schools K-12; 1978 Skyline High School, Dallas, Texas; BA, history, Yale
Campaign website: LaurelForSCASD.com
A: 1. SCASD must provide every child with an excellent foundation of academic experiences, skills and knowledge as well as opportunities in athletics, the arts, career education and leadership. This requires recognizing student needs, thoughtfully evaluating curriculum and programs, respecting staff and teacher experiences and expertise and strengthening school/family partnerships.
2. The Board should encourage community involvement and support by sharing timely, clear, easily accessible information about what’s happening in SCASD; ensuring opportunities to ask questions and give input; and fully considering options before making decisions.
3. It’s absolutely critical to maintain SCASD’s financial stability while keeping the State College area affordable for young families and those on fixed incomes. Fiscal responsibility means budgeting based on identified needs and resources, monitoring and evaluating expenses and strategic planning to determine and provide for future needs.
MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND SUPERVISORS
Each candidate was asked the following question: If elected, what will be your top three priorities and how will you address them?
BELLEFONTE BOROUGH COUNCIL WARD, 1- TO 4-YEAR TERM
DEMOCRAT
Douglas A. Johnson
Education: Bellefonte Area High School; U.S. Army Signal School; Course work job related at Penn State University
Campaign website: Not provided
A: 1. Downtown Bellefonte pedestrian safety by adding crossing signs with rapid flashing beacon at critical crosswalks within the borough. Along with safety, more due diligence regarding enforcement of sidewalk repairs.
2. Renovations to the recently purchased Armory building at the corner of North Spring Street and West Lamb Street. Funds for the purchase and renovation were generously provided by recently retired Senator Jake Cornman. The goal is to renovate the existing Bellefonte Police space and move the borough staff to the Armory building. Armory renovations include installation of an elevator, fire protection and accessibility entrances to the building.
3. Installation of traffic signal at Parkview Boulevard and Route 550, East Bishop Street. This project now needs to be coordinated with the Bellefonte Area School District and the new owner of the former National Guard property. Council and borough staff will continue to work with all stakeholders, including PennDOT.
COLLEGE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL
DEMOCRAT
Tracey Mariner
Education: Not provided
Campaign website: Not provided
A: If I am elected my top three priorities will be to first be open-minded about the systems set in place that allow us to make effective change. Secondly, I will grow in my knowledge, insight, understanding and respect for the process of getting the concerns of the community addressed. Lastly, I will give the time and energy needed to positively affect change.
I do not want to make the mistake of providing empty promises, believing I can come in and affect positive change without knowing the systems that are set in place already. I think far too often well-intentioned change agents take the approach of placing a demand for change without learning about the current systems, being a part of the process and evaluating what is needed to truly develop a culture and mindset of change. I believe effective change cannot be obtained without accountability, dedication, longevity and respect for what was, what is, and what’s to come.
Susan Trainor
Education: BA, Wells College; ASN, Tompkins Cortland Community College; MSN, Bloomsburg University
Campaign website: facebook.com/susan.trainor.3
A: If elected to the College Township Council seat to which I am currently appointed, my top three priorities are supporting sustainable development, responsible stewardship of township resources and improving health equity for all.
Supporting sustainable development and responsibly stewarding finances, I’ll focus on developing policies and infrastructure projects aligned with the seven milestones of planning outlined in our regional Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and the College Township Pedestrian Facilities Master Plan, including working towards a more walkable township. I’ll develop smart budgets mindful of township’s long-term financial health, working collaboratively with council and township’s expert staff.
Leveraging three decades as a nurse and healthcare provider I’ll support work increasing access to affordable healthcare and housing. Preparing the township for development of a casino I’ll build partnerships and fund work improving access to mental health services for all.
REPUBLICAN
D. Richard Francke
Education: BS, operations management with minor in business logistics, Pennsylvania State University
Campaign website: Not provided
A: Transparent and accountable government, locally and regionally – seek to make information easily accessible while always being personally available to our residents; goal of positive experiences in all our interactions; encourage opportunities to participate in our processes; and ingrain being accountable for our actions, good or bad.
Effect and efficient delivery of services — maintain and improve, where possible, the township’s top-notch staff and their culture of providing great service; maximize the value formula to provide the most for our resident’s money and time; avoid complacency; and continually seek better ways, the job is never done.
Sustainable community and Infrastructure — balance our many, sometimes opposing, human needs to the benefit of all, exclusion of none; manage our human, natural and financial capital to meet current needs and protect our resources for our future residents; and ensure a safe, healthy and affordable community via good planning and investment.
FERGUSON TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR AT LARGE
DEMOCRAT
Omari Patterson
Education: BA, engineering; Masters, telecommuncations systems management; Masters, real estate Campaign website: omariforpa.com
A: As a new board member, not only is one faced with ongoing projects and initiatives, but new problems and issues that impact our fellow township residents. From day one, I will bring my business experience, thorough research and planning skills, and ability to work collaboratively to find the best solutions.
I will proactively meet with and listen to my fellow township residents to process the most pressing issues affecting our community.
I believe we should have a fair tax structure. Keep taxes fair for all (e.g. homeowners and businesses); maintain an efficient budget with excellent services; and revisit the policy associated with the Stormwater Impact Fee.
Let’s open Ferguson Township for more business. Maintain the unique character of Ferguson Township; find thoughtful ways to address density while preserving agriculture; and encourage workforce housing.
We will mitigate risks associated with critical services and help maintain services for all of Ferguson Township
STATE COLLEGE BOROUGH COUNCIL, 2-YEAR TERM
DEMOCRAT
Nalini Krishnankutty
Education: Ph.D., chemical engineering, Penn State
Campaign website: facebook.com/NaliniForBoroughCouncil
A: It has been an honor to serve our community as a council member for the past nine months. If elected, I will prioritize zoning revision to center sustainability and preserve our strong neighborhoods, while supporting affordable housing and a vibrant downtown that encourages community building, local businesses and diverse arts, events and initiatives. I will focus on equitable access to government and human services including mental health, language access and social justice initiatives. I will proactively support sustainable energy and transportation initiatives, reliable fire protection and EMS and accessible libraries and parks. I will achieve my goals of the wellbeing of all residents and our environmental and financial security by leveraging unique town-gown partnerships and regional cooperation efforts. I will work to decrease barriers to civic engagement and leverage our collective energy and varied experiences, expertise and ideas to sustain a healthy and inclusive community.
STATE COLLEGE BOROUGH COUNCIL, 4-YEAR TERM
DEMOCRAT
Matt Herndon
Education: BS, Cornell University
Campaign website: facebook.com/HerndonForBoroughCouncil
A: My top three priorities are sustainability, affordability, and inclusivity. I will work to create more affordable and sustainable housing by updating the borough’s antiquated, exclusionary zoning laws to legalize denser housing close to jobs, bike lanes and CATA transportation. That will also spur inclusion by allowing more people who want to live in the borough to realize that dream. Inclusion also means making our town safe for everyone. Last summer the father of a 3-year old was killed here while riding his bike to work — we must not accept that. I will fight for raised crossings that slow car traffic and separated bike paths which keep cyclists safe from cars and pedestrians safe from cyclists. I will use the power of Borough Council to make our town more affordable and help our neighbors be less dependent on cars, making State College more inclusive and a better place for everyone.
Kevin Kassab
Education: Mercer County College and Temple University
Campaign website: Not provided
A: If elected, I have my priorities: To ensure the quality of our neighborhoods as a safe and peaceful environment for long-term and student residents. To continue my support for affordable housing: not only to support the First-Time Home Buyer Program, from which I personally benefited, but to find more ways to make the borough affordable for families and employees, and even students who are struggling financially. To continue to work with borough staff on enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within the State College community. To diversify downtown businesses: The borough must resolve a way to retain diverse shops within our downtown, which all residents and visitors can enjoy, and to improve sustainability practices. My promise is: I have spent my career as a listener and problem solver, with a voice to serve in an advisory capacity to borough council and the borough manager, and that is the strength I will be bringing to this elected position.
Evan Myers
Education: Penn State University
Campaign website: statecollege.com/pages/politics/evan-myers/
A: 1. Promote a strong and sustainable community by providing more affordable and inclusionary housing through incentives and creative zoning. Respect and enhance renter’s rights. Strengthen neighborhoods by increasing home ownership though support of the Community Land Trust and Homestead Investment program. Improve bicycle and pedestrian connections; and protect and enhance neighborhood parks and shopping. Establish a functional relationship with Penn State. 2. Treat all members of the community with equity and respect by encouraging diversity and inclusiveness. Protect minority and workers’ rights and engage students. 3. Create a more vibrant downtown and gain more community input in planning and development by working to establish more affordable and inclusionary commercial space for local businesses. A complete and thorough review of zoning including building size and height. Improve communications with neighboring municipalities to discuss impacts of new development.
Josh Portney
Education: BA, political science, broadcast journalism, Pennsylvania State University
Campaign website: portneyforcouncil.com
A: If elected, my first priority while on council is to pass a revised zoning code that protects our downtown while facilitating growth through controlled development for working families in the West End and in other parts of the borough. I also see transportation as a main issue that we need to tackle, as we ought to reshape our town to be more pedestrian and bicycle friendly, which would reduce the reliance on traditional car traffic. Finally, I will fight for a complete review of our budget so we can stabilize taxes and refocus our spending to match our priorities, like affordable housing, delivering quality municipal services and DEIB efforts.
Tony Sapia
Education: Not provided
Campaign website: Not provided
1. Housing with special emphasis on affordability and equity/sustainability. Work with zoning and with the budgeted housing specialist to implement the Tenant Bill of Rights. Work with code enforcement to ensure safe housing for all residents. Incorporate better biking infrastructure with the addition of more on-street bike lanes. Continue expansion of the Bicycle Ambassador’s Program education efforts. When we increase the bikeability and walkability of our neighborhoods, we make housing more sustainable.
2. Build transparency. Create ‘open office hours’ for residents to meet casually in person with council persons. Communicate by newsletter specific happenings in the borough and issues that directly impact our neighborhoods.
3. Increase local business. Coordinate the borough’s masterplan with the Downtown Improvement District’s vision to make Calder Way the ‘community hall’ that is inclusive and engages positive relationships in all of our neighborhoods.
BELLEFONTE BOROUGH COUNCIL, WARD 2
DEMOCRAT
Deborah Cleeton
Education: Graduate of State College Area High School
Campaign website: Not provided
A: Centre Area Transportation Authority currently provides three unique yet integrated levels of service to and from Bellefonte. Continued access to these services is vital for our community as it is the most cost-effective means of transportation for access to work, school, medical facilities and food resources. Our residents need reliable access to the many services and retail locations located outside the borough. Funding for Borough operations is always a challenge. After property taxes, the earned income tax provided by our working residents is a primary source of revenue. Bellefonte is a delightful community to live in. Whether a resident is a homeowner or tenant, for our community to thrive we need to ensure that residential housing is available. One of my responsibilities as a council representative is to make informed recommendations to the borough. I will continue to make use of the multiple opportunities available to improve my knowledge of borough operations.
REPUBLICAN
Randy Brachbill
Education: Not provided
Campaign website: Not provided
1. 2022 Bellefonte Borough Council collaborated on the development of an annual Goals Action Plan. Council members are able to add/remove goals at any time. Residents are welcome to submit goals they feel are important. Selected goals move to work sessions for discussion then to the next business meeting. The process is monitored. Goals not completed roll over to the following year.
2. 2022 Bellefonte Borough adopted priority-based budgeting using the general budget. This process requires the council’s review of the information provided by department heads.
3. 2022 Bellefonte Borough approved dropping committees in order to work as a whole council. This change has worked well for holding discussions of various items/issues.
BELLEFONTE BOROUGH COUNCIL, WARD 3
DEMOCRAT
Joanne Tosti-Vasey
Education: BS, clothing and textiles, Virginia Tech; MS, family counseling, Virginia Tech; Ph.D., human development and family studies, Penn State University
Campaign website: facebook.com/JTostiVaseyBellefonteCouncil
A: 1. I believe in transparency and open communication between the council and our community members. Ensuring our representatives honor this transparency and act on the community’s wishes while balancing all community concerns is critical for a vibrant and welcoming community. Community surveys, like Bellefonte’s current sustainability survey, are very helpful here.
2. We need people on the council who believe in equity for all and treat everyone with respect. My 30+ years as a community organizer and advocate for equity would help ensure that the council considers these issues when making decisions affecting the lives of our community members.
3. I want to continue representing the West Ward to address historic preservation and sustainability. Sustainability includes environmental sustainability; creating a vibrant economic community; improving the infrastructure for the well-being and safety of all; quality educational opportunities; gender and racial equity; and reducing poverty, hunger, etc.
REPUBLICAN
Christopher Morelli
Education: Not provided
Campaign website: Facebook group — Christopher Morelli for Bellefonte Borough Council
A: 1. I’ll serve all residents and all businesses by ensuring any matter that comes before the council fairly serves our entire community, by scrutinizing requests to ensure they benefit all and that the cost, if any, can be incurred without raising taxes. If a request doesn’t meet those requirements, I will vote no.
2. I will support all initiatives that best serve the safety of our police and emergency responders and that allow them to efficiently and effectively perform their duties.
3. I will work to remove borough government overreach due diligence and actions for any and all unnecessary ordinances, or exclusionary programs, especially those that were created and implemented to only benefit specific individuals in our community. One such program is the free electric vehicle (EV) chargers that the borough (tax payers) now pays the electric bill for. I will work to fix this elitist abomination day one.
(Editor’s note: The candidate above is not the assistant editor of The Centre County Gazette, who has the same name and also lives in Bellefonte.)
BENNER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
DEMOCRAT
David Thomas Roberts
Education: BS, biology, Pennsylvania State University; and graduate classes, environmental biology, Hood College
Campaign website: Not provided
A: Benner Township residents need safe, clean drinking water. Benner residents currently face existing and imminent health threats from water contaminated with Per&PolyFluoroAlkyl Substances, PFAS chemicals. I will work with local water authorities, state and federal agencies to procure grant money for the installation of public water supplies to all affected residents and businesses and the mitigation of PFAS in Benner’s aquifers through active participation in a regional water management plan to preserve water quality and quantity.
I will work to provide necessary and essential services to residents and businesses in a cost effective manner including roads, schools, water, sewer, stormwater management and other infrastructure by using science based best management practices.
I will assure transparency concerning actions of Benner Township through implementation of permanent recordings of township meetings and through more open channels of communication with all residents.
REPUBLICAN
Kathy Evey
Candidate did not respond
Thomas Moyer
Candidate did not respond
FERGUSON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, WARD 1
DEMOCRAT
Matthew Heller
Education: MPS, enterprise architecture, Penn State University; BS, earth sciences, Penn State University
Campaign website: facebook.com/groups/hellerforferguson/
A: Improved Inclusivity: Ferguson Township has rolling farmlands, suburban residential areas and small villages with residents from various backgrounds and nationalities. With township staff, I will establish outreach programs and effective communication channels to build a stronger and more connected community that celebrates our unique differences. Responsible stewardship: As a community we can reduce our impacts on the land, air, and water, in a fiscally responsible way. I am committed to being a responsible steward of our planet and finances and will seek environmentally friendly opportunities to improve our public infrastructure. Empowering entrepreneurs: Small businesses are the backbone of our community, providing jobs and economic opportunities. I will work with entrepreneurs and local agencies, to promote the smart and sustainable growth of small businesses within our township, providing resources and support to help them thrive and create more opportunities for our community.
REPUBLICAN
Kenneth Raney
Education: BS, agricultural education, Penn State University
Campaign website: Ken Raney on Facebook
A: 1. Ferguson Township has a history of being fiscally conservative in both spending and how our residents are taxed. In more recent times, spending has increased more than what the tax base has grown. The current and upcoming operating budget and the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan needs reviewed with attention paid to spending, given the current economic and inflationary conditions we are all experiencing.
2. Supervisors need to be sensitive to constituency issues while at the same time not propose regulations and ordinances, then go look for the problem or issue that pertain to the created ordinance.
3. Ferguson Township needs to continue to be a cooperative member of COG programs and services. As a township we need to encourage business development, both small and large. Our regulations and ordinances should not hinder business development, but should be encouraging and business friendly for entrepreneurial development.
FERGUSON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, WARD 2
DEMOCRAT
Jeremie Thompson
Education: Labor and employment relations, Penn State University
Campaign website: jeremiethompson.com
A: I believe local government should be transparent, accessible and responsive. Residents should have a voice in the decision making, which is something I stood by during my time as planning commission chair. Our resident advisory committees are one of the many ways our residents can collaborate with elected officials, staff and each other. I support the preservation of our Regional Growth Boundary and our agricultural farmlands. We should prioritize the strategic planning and long-term sustainability of our parks and recreational facilities. Fiscal management should promote efficiency in township operations and build value to our services. Through enhancement in our operations, we can provide better service to our residents while bringing valuable added time for the Township to focus on other strategic initiatives. Investments that we make today whether in administration, services, infrastructure, planning and development, or other areas of the township will better us for the future.
FERGUSON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, WARD 3
DEMOCRAT
Patricia Stephens
Candidate did not respond
HARRIS TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
DEMOCRAT
Tracey Moriarty
Candidate did not respond
Nigel Wilson
Candidate did not respond
REPUBLICAN
Charles Bud Graham
Candidate did not respond
PATTON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
DEMOCRAT
Susan Chyczewski
Education: Ph.D., agricultural and extension education, Penn State University; BS, animal science, and BS, agricultural education, University of Delaware
Campaign website: Not provided
A: My first priority is sustainable economic development that works for both residents and businesses. As proposals come before the township, I will seek out information from experts and endeavor to find opposing points of view to inform decisions.
My second priority is to maintain fiscally responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars by considering the long-term consequences of township decisions focusing on both fiscally responsible and sustainable investments in our community.
Lastly, Patton Township is “a place for all.” It’s important that these are not just words or a motto, but also are reflected in our budget, zoning, public safety and development decisions.
I have been impressed with the current board’s efforts on behalf or of the township and their willingness to go above and beyond to address concerns brought to them. I hope to continue that effort.
Betsy Whitman
Education: BA, Mary Washington College; Master’s program, environmental sciences, Univeristy of Virginia
Campaign website: None
A: My priorities for Patton township are 1) health and safety, 2) diversity, equity and inclusion, and 3) fiscal responsibility. To these ends, I will pursue, promote, and support: public parks, trails, and open space; carbon reduction (eg., electrical vehicles and charging network, creative public transit, multi-use paths); road/trail upkeep and good design (eg; crosswalks, signs/signals; bike lanes; proactive resurfacing); regular communication and respectful and responsible interactions between the public, staff and elected officials (eg., DEI training and hiring practices; citizen input/outreach through public meetings, written and social media; periodic open houses with staff and elected officials); responsible development (eg., affordable and attainable housing; growth with public transit in mind); short-term and long-range planning for repair, replacement, and purchase of facilities and equipment; and a thorough and transparent annual budget process.
SPRING TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
DEMOCRAT
Terry M. Perryman
Candidate did not respond
REPUBLICAN
Matthew Deibler
Candidate did not respond
WALKER TOWNSHIP
REPUBLICAN
Zane Sherman
Education: Not provided
Campaign website: Not provided
A: As a lifelong member of Walker Township, I have experienced firsthand the changes that have occurred within the township. If elected, I would listen to, as well as understand, the residents’ concerns as the township continues to face additional change that require supervisor action. I will support development of new and maintenance of existing ordinances to address those concerns. I would engage in discussions to ensure infrastructure service/product capacity aligns with proposed township residential and business growth. I will support our township employees and elected/appointed officials to maintain our township traditions. I would work with the Walker Township Fire Company to ensure fire/emergency services are funded at a level required to support our residents’ changing needs. I’d reach out, as needed, to other Centre Region officials to better understand the lessons they have learned as they apply to our township. I look forward to serving the residents of Walker Township.
