Republicans sweep to victory, retaining commissioners office; win all row offices

Republicans swept to victory Tuesday in Schuylkill County, retaining control of the commissioners office and winning all the row offices up for election.

Incumbent Republicans George F. Halcovage and Frank J. Staudenmeier led the way getting 17,890 and 17,299 votes, respectively. Democrat incumbent Gary J. Hess finished third with 14,326 votes. His running mate, Joe Palubinsky, finished fourth with 11,350 votes. There were 63 write-ins.

“I’m honored to serve with two fine gentlemen for another term,” Halcovage said. “It’s very humbling and we all take the responsibility seriously.”

“Exciting things are happening in Schuylkill County,” he added. “And the best is yet to come.”

All the candidates discussed plans for the overcrowded prison in their election previews.

Hess said there is a prison overcrowding situation and more room is needed. He likes the idea of an intermediate punishment center for low-level offenders or people at the end of their sentence.

Such a center would also reduce the number of repeat offenders returning to prison after they’re released, he said.

“The biggest thing is we’re spending between $1.6-1.8 million dollars to outsource to other counties. That money is leaving our county, the county’s taxpayer dollars, that’s leaving. I would love to see that revert; that we leave it here,” he said.

Staudenmeier said the cost of building a new facility in Schuylkill County is much more than the cost of sending prisoners to Centre County.

He said 10 years ago, the project would have cost the county about $4 million, a cost which no doubt has increased. It would take another $2.2 million per year to operate it — more than the $1.3 million he said it costs to send the prisoners to other facilities.

Staudenmeier said his opinion might be different if the cost to send the prisoners to counties was more.

“The scenario right now, it just doesn’t make any sense to build when we’re doing what we’re doing today, and saving about $900K per year,” he said.

Row offices

There will be a new prothonotary as Republican Bridget McGowan Miller easily defeated Democrat Mark Atkinson, getting 20,309 votes to 10,613, with 31 write-ins. Former prothonotary David Dutcavich resigned from office and his first deputy, Albert L. Gricoski, was appointed. He was defeated in the primary by Miller, for his party’s nomination.

County coroner Republican David J. Moylan held off a challenge by Democrat Deb Detweiler, getting 17,759 votes to 14,172 for Detweiler, in a race that got heated in the final weeks. Detweiler formerly served as a deputy coroner for Moylan, then resigned to run against him. There were 30 write-in votes.

Incumbent treasurer Linda Gallo Marchalk defeated Democrat Catherine Cat Mahon, 20,812 to 10,613. There were 31 write-ins.

Incumbent clerk of courts Maria Casey got 19,012 votes for a win over Democratic challenger, Ronald R. Pellish, who got 12,545 votes. There were 20 write-ins.

Incumbent register of wills Theresa S. Gaffney won over Democrat Joe Dutchie Ferraro, 18,751 to 12,956. There were 28 write-ins.

Incumbent Republican controller Christy Joy was unopposed and got 26,637. There were 247 write-in votes.

Incumbent Republican recorder of deeds Ann Dudish was unopposed and got 26,663 votes. There were 171 write-ins.

District Justice

District Justice David J. Rossi was the winner of another six year. Rossi got both nominations in the May primary and gathered 5,010 votes Tuesday. His district is based in Tremont and covers most of the western end of the county.

Statewide

In a race for two seats on the state Superior Court, 10 year terms, Schuylkill voters supported the two Republican candidates.

Megan McCarthy King got 19,902 and running mate Christylee Peck got 17,609. On the Democratic side Daniel B. McCafferty got 10,356 and Amanda Green-Hawkins got 9,005.

Schuylkill voters also voted to retain four judges to state courts.

Kevin Brobson received 19,732 yes votes and 8,375 no votes and Patricia McCullough got 20,325 yes votes and 8,028 no votes to keep their seats on the Commonwealth Court.

Ann Lazarus got 19,536 yes votes and 8,654 no votes and Judy Olson got 19,944 yes votes and 8,290 no votes to keep their seats on the state Superior court.

Lisa Price contributed to this report.