2019 primary election: Boyko announces candidacy for Carbon commissioner

Tom Boyko, 50, of Lansford, announces his Republican candidacy for Carbon County Commissioner.

Boyko learned adversity at the age of 12, when both his parents passed away. Without any living relatives, he was placed in foster care until he was 18. After high school, he worked hard, saved money and in June 2000 opened his first business, Boyko Beverage, a beer distributor in Towamensing Township. It was there he learned the principles of running a business, customer service, budgeting and how to spend money intelligently to grow his business.

After four very successful years, he decided to sell his business. Boyko then purchased Checkered Flag Auto Sales, which he has owned since 2004. In 2009, Boyko accepted a job with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, where he currently works as an equipment operator. PennDOT has been a great learning experience for him in the areas of grant funding and employee management.

Boyko is a member of the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development, Lehighton Fire Company, Lehighton American Legion, Beaver Run Rod and Gun Club, St. Gabriel Italian Club and the Lansford American Legion. He is an avid motorcyclist and passionate about animal rescue.

Boyko has been moving around Carbon County for the past five years listening to citizens’ concerns. He said the majority of residents are frustrated with the snail’s pace our county is moving at. He believes the county should be run like a business and make smart decisions. Additional grant funding should be sought to get drug dealers off our streets. We need affordable drug rehabilitation facilities and the creation of a drug prevention program for all school students, faculty and parents.

Boyko would also work with leaders at the federal level to attract businesses to move to Carbon County with a structured tax incentive program to help strengthen our local economy. Boyko would like to move the county buildings to solar power, saving thousands of dollars and keeping taxes low. He would explore options with Packerton Yard. It’s time for aggressive new leadership to take charge of Carbon County. Together we can make a difference in Carbon County.