(Note: We received this notice on February 26, after we went to press with last week's paper)
The resignation of Commissioner Mark Smith creates a vacancy in the Board of Commissioners of Bradford County. The vacancy shall be filled for the balance of the unexpired term by the Court of Common Pleas of Bradford County. The individual appointed must be at least 18 years of age, a registered elector of Bradford County and a member of the same political party as the outgoing commissioner. Anyone interested in being considered for this appointment should submit their letter of interest and a resume to the office of Judge Beirne at 301 Main Street, Towanda, Pennsylvania 18848 on or before Tuesday, March 3, 2015.
(Note: We received this notice on February 26, after we went to press with last week's paper) Bradford County Commissioner Mark Smith has announced that he will be joining Governor Tom Wolf’s Administration in Harrisburg. He will be resigning from his post as Bradford County Commissioner, effective March 9, 2015. He will also be immediately withdrawing from the race for county commissioner. In his new position, Smith will serve in the role of Special Assistant to the Governor. It is with great pride that I, Mark Smith, announce my candidacy for re-election as your Bradford County commissioner. I am asking for your vote in the May 19th primary election. Throughout my two terms as your county commissioner, I have worked continually to move Bradford Co forward. Over the course of my term I have been proud to put our county on sound financial footing by carrying out a plan to eliminate county debt, cut taxes, and I have supported wise investments of impact fee monies that will benefit our county for decades to come. If elected to another term, my priorities will be to see the county on a path toward sustainable job growth and positive overall economic development. I also will work to invest our impact fee dollars wisely and strongly in communities across Bradford Co. I believe this is our time. We now have the ability and the resources to move Bradford Co forward on the economic front, as never before. I look forward to meeting that challenge as your county commissioner. Matthew Allen is excited to announce his candidacy for election to the position of county auditor. Allen has held the position of auditor for Bradford County for the past two and a half years, having been appointed in June of 2012 to fulfill the term of his late mother, Audrey Allen. “I have learned a tremendous amount since my appointment as auditor and humbly ask the voters of the county for their support so that I may continue to apply the knowledge I’ve gained to serve Bradford County.” Matthew Allen is excited to announce his candidacy for election to the position of county auditor. Allen has held the position of auditor for Bradford County for the past two and a half years, having been appointed in June of 2012 to fulfill the term of his late mother, Audrey Allen. “I have learned a tremendous amount since my appointment as auditor and humbly ask the voters of the county for their support so that I may continue to apply the knowledge I’ve gained to serve Bradford County.” Republican Thomas M Carman of Troy Borough has announced that he is seeking re-election as the Bradford County Coroner. Carman this week released the following written statement: Thomas M Carman has announced his candidacy for a third term as Bradford Co. Coroner. Carman has served with the Bradford County Coroners office for the past fifteen years. Carman first became certified in 1999 by the Office of Attorney General and Coroners Education Board by attending the Pa. State Police Academy in Hershey, Pa., participating in the Coroners Education Course. Asks for the Opportunity to Continue His Service to the People of Bradford County Republican County Commissioner Doug McLinko will kick off his re-election campaign on 11 February 2015 with a complimentary reception at the The Riverstone Inn at 6:00 pm. McLinko released the following statement: “On Wednesday, I look forward to formally announcing my intention to seek another term as County Commissioner. The people of Bradford County are honest, hard-working people and I am honored to serve them. I will continue to tell the good news of Bradford County, work tirelessly to build on our accomplishments, and put our people first. “As a County Commissioner, my priorities are always local. Much has yet to be done, however our county’s fiscal condition is as sound as it has been in for quite some time. I believe that my experience in business in the private sector and having had to focus on best business practices and fiscal responsibility all while considering our employee’s interests, has allowed me to contribute this perspective to the county’s operation. In the past term as commissioner, I have served on various boards within the county, as well as having been privileged to have been elected for two, one year terms as our region’s representative, (serving 11 counties in Northeast Pennsylvania), on the board of directors for the PA Co Commissioner’s Association. Looking ahead, additional challenges will face us such as the need for continued growth in employment opportunity, economic and social issues and budget challenges. My desire is to continue to be a part of meeting those challenges for the good of those in our county. I believe that I have brought sound ideas and solutions to the county and have tried my very best to be available day or night to anyone that has questions or issues that they need assistance with. I ask for the continued support of the voters of Bradford County as I run for reelection as Bradford County Commissioner and promise to continue to serve with respect, dignity, integrity and transparency. As I stated in my last campaign, “Leadership is being concerned enough to listen, experienced enough to evaluate, and decisive enough to act. Public service isn’t self-service”. I thank you for your past support and again ask for your continued support, as I would be honored to continue to serve you. Entering the completion of my first term as Commissioner, I reflect on the gratifying and humbling experience this has been and for the opportunity of working on behalf of the taxpayers of Bradford County. Numerous things have been addressed and accomplished during this past term benefiting the citizens and taxpayers of Bradford County. To recap just a few of those items; the county’s debt has been paid off which has resulted in a tax reduction to county property owners of nearly 6%. In addition, improvements have been made in our physical infrastructure without going into debt or raising taxes. These improvements include such things as enhancing our 911 emergency communications systems, addressing numerous maintenance projects and renovations to our courthouse and other necessary capital projects. Additionally, we gave back to our first responders who work diligently on a voluntary basis to help protect us. Attorney Carrie Donald has announced her candidacy for District Attorney of Bradford County. In her announcement, Attorney Donald said “I believe that the office of District Attorney must return its focus to keeping Bradford County families safe. As District Attorney, my job will be to guarantee that the victims of crime have a voice in the courtroom and to see that criminals who violate the security of our family and communities are punished. I will fight for victims of crime and hold criminals accountable in the courtroom. I understand that collaboration with victim services, law enforcement and the community is crucial to bring a transparency to the office of District Attorney that has been lacking and to restore the professional reputation of the office that has become eroded. Under my guidance, the office of District Attorney will work every day to get things done on the issues that matter most to victims of crime and their family members. I will work tirelessly to hold violent offenders, sexual offenders and drug dealers accountable for the crimes they commit.” Republican Daniel J. Barrett announced recently that he is running for re-election as Bradford County District Attorney. Barrett issued the following written statement as part of his announcement. "I will run for re-election as district attorney. I humbly ask the people of Bradford County for their support." "I am proud of what has been done over the last seven years. We have shown that we can bring cases to trial and win convictions. We have been able to reduce some of the logjams in case management with the combined efforts of my staff, the police, and the courts. Their professionalism and cooperation help expedite the heavy caseload." "The work is complicated and very demanding. It is also very stimulating, because we are good at it." Some of the progress that has been particularly satisfying is: 1. Taking more cases to trial and winning convictions, we have been able to raise the level of pleas and sentences. The results give more defendants more reasons to plead guilty. It helps us identify weaknesses and areas for improvement. 2. We have given special attention to sex crimes, particularly where the young are victims. We've won a remarkable string of trial convictions on sex cases. 3. We have identified and reduced bottlenecks in the process of handling cases. We have also been able to streamline many of our office practices. 4. We are as vigorous in trying cases as any county, according to information from state agencies. 5. We have upheld all standards in integrity in our work. It has been my utmost privilege to work for the taxpayers of Bradford County for almost 16 years. I truly appreciate the support that I have received in every election in terms of votes, but more importantly, it has been a real pleasure getting to know residents from every corner of Bradford County.
At this point in time, I need to devote more time to my family. It is with mixed emotions that I make this decision to not run for re-election. |
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