Courtesy: Williamsport Sun-Gazette, editor’s notes included
Republican commissioner candidates to debate pressing county topics
APR 19, 2019
KATELYN HIBBARD Reporter, khibbard@sungazette.com
Republican candidates vying for a seat on the Lycoming County Board of Commissioners will voice their opinions on “the big issues facing the county” during a formal debate slated for 7 p.m. April 30 at the Clarke Chapel, Lycoming College.
All nine candidates have signified their intent to participate, said Joseph Hamm, Lycoming County Republican Committee chairman. They are John Bower, Stephen P. Brady, Gabriel J. Campana, Todd Lauer, Scott Metzger, Kathryn S. “Tabby” Nassberg, Chad Riley and incumbents Jack McKernan and Tony Mussare.
“We’re going to talk public safety, we’re going to talk infrastructure, we’re going to talk taxes, the opioid crisis — the big issues facing the county,” Hamm said. “I don’t want to be too descriptive because I want the candidates to have to be quick on their feet.”
The debate will include one-minute introductions followed by nine rounds of questions so each candidate will have the opportunity to lead off, he said. In between, there may be 30-second rebuttals at the direction of Todd Bartley, general manager of News Talk (104.1 & 1600 WEJS) radio show, who will be the moderator, and Hamm.
The event will end with one-minute closing remarks. “This is kind of new,” Hamm said. “Due to there being so many candidates, we want to educate the voters and make sure they can hear directly from those nine candidates.”
The committee hosted a candidates forum about a month ago that had about 150 attendees, so Hamm hopes the debate will draw even more interest. “I think we’ll have a great turnout,” he said.
“We’ve got a facility that holds 350 and we’re hoping to fill it up.” The Republican Committee, Lycoming College and News Talk (104.1 & 1600 WEJS) are partnering to sponsor and host the debate.
“Our hope is that our candidates are able to give a clear description of their vision for the future. This is where our kids and grandkids are growing up and we want to make sure they decide to stay here as they become adults. That vision is critical to the future of Lycoming County.”
