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County commissioner candidates participate in local political forum
Republicans Bob Thomas and David Keller, and Democrats Cheryl Stearn and Bob Ziobrowski spoke on jobs, transportation and county salaries from prearranged questions. Ruth Jordan, president of the Greencastle- Antrim Democratic Club, moderated the event. Robert Eberly, representing the Republican party, was unable to attend. Thomas stressed the importance of providing an environment conducive to business as a way to attract higher paying jobs to the county. He said the Chambers of Commerce, Greencastle-Antrim Area Development Corporation, and Franklin County Area Development Corporation were working with townships and boroughs in that regard. He also cited Franklin County as one of the lowest taxed areas in the state. Ziobrowski supported the efforts of the FCADC. He noted that companies look at demographics, including the graduation rate, and that the area distribution centers have to attract workers from the outside because many youth leave the county. Keller believed commissioners were some of the best salesmen for Franklin County, and wanted all three to remain on the board of the FCADC, rather than a proposed one. He said quality of life was a major factor in drawing businesses and suggested the three local colleges target their math, science and engineering programs. Stearn supported small businesses, noting wages had dropped nearly three percent in two years. She favored partnering with Shippensburg University, Penn State Mont Alto and Wilson College and to be open to new ideas. Public transportation Keller favored a citizen survey to determine if a true demand exists for public transportation in Franklin County. He also wanted to study the reason for the failure of the Chambersburg Transit Authority. "People are independent," he said. "They like their own vehicles." Stearn agreed that a study was necessary to find out who needed transportation, why and where they lived. She said it was subsidized for some citizens and the commissioners could compare successful programs in other counties. "The people who need it most get it in Franklin County," said Thomas. He referred to senior citizens, the poor and the disabled. He said a study could be done. Since the county was spread out people often chose to use their own cars. Ziobrowski said a study was completed last year by the Planning Commission and human service agencies. It discovered a fixed route bus system was not economically feasible and he did not support one funded by taxpayers. He underscored that people say they want a system but don't use it. County employees Stearn said salaries of some of Franklin County's 900 employees were not at par. She specifically wanted to make the jail guard positions competitive so the facility was not a continuous training ground, due to the high turnover. Keller said it was important to factor in benefits when looking at some of the lower paying jobs. He felt it worthwhile to look at discrepancies between departments. Thomas said wages have increased each year and the Human Resources department constantly reviewed them. He said caseworkers were the biggest issue, and while the jail was a challenge, its wages were negotiated by a union. He said benefits for all employees were 'tremendous'. Ziobrowski said, "Imposing taxes is a license, and you don't abuse that license." He said a five percent pay raise would mean a 15 to 20 percent increase in taxes. He wanted to look at each department to find out where it would be necessary to raise pay to prevent turnover. Questions Some of the forty citizens in attendance offered their own opinions on issues. One asked the candidate's positions on property tax reform, especially reassessments. Every year the state compares properties and Franklin County rated in the top third for its quality of assessments, Thomas said. "Assessments are not an exact science. We need to get away from them all together. We can't get the Legislature's attention." He thought it would cost $5-7 million to reassess, but citizens can follow an appeal process if they disagree with their numbers. Ziobrowski favored a return to Pennsylvania's past practice of rolling reassessments, which were tied to the sales prices of properties. That would get most properties in line within ten years. The legislature would have to make that possible and it would keep the stability of property taxes for the county, he said. Stearn reminded the people it was 40 years since the last assessment but that the state may eventually force a reassessment. She wanted a study to determine the true cost of that procedure. Keller expressed concern that a reassessment would disproportionately affect farmers and senior citizens. Biographies The candidates were given a final chance to summarize their qualifications. Ziobrowski said, "I offer knowledge, experience and leadership. I've prepared twenty years for this job." He cited his activities in community organizations. A Democrat, he is a Franklin County native and currently a real estate appraiser in Chambersburg. Thomas, a commissioner since 1996, said, "My number one goal is to ensure Franklin County is a quality place to live and work. My experience and knowledge is vital to ensure continuity in government." A Republican from Chambersburg, he previously worked in the family business, radio station WKSL in Greencastle. Stearn said her experience in managing people and finances were important. She said she was qualified to lead because she would listen, have courage, common sense, character, creativity and conviction. A Democrat from St. Thomas, she founded Sunrise Electronics in Chambersburg. Keller said, "I have the work experience, military service and community service to serve." He was committed to the spirit of cooperation and would be accessible to citizens. He is a resident of Hamilton Township, a Republican, a member of the US Navy Reserve and an attorney in Waynesboro. |
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