Election 2021 voters guide: Candidates for council, supervisor races in Centre County
READ MORE
2021 election voters guide
The Pennsylvania general election is Nov. 2. Voters must be registered to vote by 5 p.m. Oct. 18 and apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot by 5 p.m. Oct. 26. This voters guide was compiled by the League of Women Voters of Centre County with assistance from the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania.
Expand All
Election 2021 voters guide: Candidates for council, supervisor races in Centre County
Election 2021 voters guide: Meet the candidates for school board in State College & Bellefonte
Election 2021 voters guide: Meet the candidates for council, mayor in State College & Bellefonte
Election 2021 voters guide: Centre County district attorney and district judge races
.jpg)
Election 2021 voters guide: Here are the candidates for Pennsylvania judicial races
Benner Township Board of Supervisors (6-year term)
Candidates (choose 1):
Thomas Moyer
Party: Rep
Did not respond
Benner Township Board of Supervisors (2-year term)
Candidates (choose 1):
Randall Moyer
Party: Rep
Did not respond
College Township Council
Candidates (choose 2):
L. Eric Bernier
Party: Dem
Campaign Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/l-eric-bernier-88a14772/
Date of Birth: Oct. 19, 1957
Education: • State College High School (1975) • Penn State (1975-1979) • United States Army Reserve (1979-1985)
Qualifications: • College Township Councilman (January 2013-present) • College Township Planning Commission-15 years (1997-2012) • 35 years working in a high profile, community service public sector career integrating access equity into community planning and developing public/private partnerships that enhanced community mobility options
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: As an existing Council member, my priorities are already integrated into the Township’s Budget, Capital Improvement Plan, Vision, and Mission Statement. This Council has worked collaboratively over the last year to develop these tools to represent to the residents our guiding principles and our action plan. I believe the recent pandemic though has put our priorities in a slightly different context and given us reason to reemphasize our commitment to virtual public engagement, mobility options, and recreational opportunities. This community is blessed with residents who bring a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise to the table. I have always relied heavily on community engagement and common sense throughout my professional career and my time on both the Planning Commission and Council. So, if reelected, I will continue to be very deliberate and methodical on all issues to ensure that everyone interested has an opportunity to be heard as part of the decision-making process.
Dustin Best
Party: Dem
Date of Birth: Aug. 27, 1983
Education: M.S. Biotechnology
Qualifications: Leader, Process/business manager
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. Environmental sustainability and protection. Let’s be smart about how we move forward with our residential and commercial development. We must take action today to do our part to combat climate change. 2. Improving our government efficiency. We must look internally at how we are running our government and find ways to gain efficiency. I would like to make continuous improvement part of the culture. 3. Resident experience. Let’s continue to improve the experience of live, work, and play for all residents in the township.
Anthony Fragola
Party: Rep
Date of Birth: Sept. 25, 1968
Education: BS Economics; Econometrics
Qualifications: Current College Township Council Member Past College Township Planning Commission Member Past College Township Industrial Development Authority Member Leadership Centre County Alumni (Class of 2004)
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: If re-elected. I will first thank all for the opportunity to serve and continue to work with our current Council, Township Staff and Residents to achieve and maintain our priorities to the benefit of our Township and Residents. Current interests and objectives are: 1. The Township is currently working on a Pedestrian Master Plan. What this entails is reviewing areas within the Township in which we can have better walkable, bike-able sidewalks and paths in our community. 2. The Township is currently working on a Small Area Plan. This entailed and involved a study which reviewed our current Zoning uses in our Commercial and Industrial Development Zones to assist Council in looking into other current, more up-to-date Zoning uses which may be beneficial in encouraging job creating Commercial development within our community. 3. Continue to work with and listen to the voices of our Residents and to represent all in keeping College Township a great place to live, work, learn & play.
Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors At Large
Candidates (choose 2):
Tierra D. Williams
Party: Dem
Campaign Website: tierra4ferguson.com
Date of Birth: Oct. 24, 1991
Education: Ridgeland High School Honors Graduate (Ridgeland, MS); 42A- Human Resource Specialist -United States Army Reserve (Fort Jackson, SC); B.A. Speech Communication- Con. Theatre, Jackson State University-Dean’s List (Jackson, MS); RYT200hr Yoga Lab- (State College, PA); Certified Diversity Professional- Institute for Diversity Certification (Indianapolis, IN)
Qualifications: Centre County Community Conferencing Trained Facilitator; Creator of “Black Tea”- Community engagement show addressing local issues; Vice President and Charter Member of GAOZ- State College Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (oversees chapter at Penn State); Co- Chair of the 3/20 Coalition grassroots organization; Former Junior Diplomat for the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce; Active Member of the NAACP since 2010; Small business ownership experience; nonprofit management experience; teaching, leadership and human resource experience.
Facebook: facebook.com/Tierra4Ferguson/
Twitter: twitter.com/Tierra4Ferguson
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: My top three priorities are: Transparency, Equity, and Accountability. I plan to ensure that we have Transparent Mental Health practices, access to affordable health care, and access to accurate mental diagnosis. I want to push for different community resources to assist individuals as it pertains to the 302 Mental Health Warrants, and all other hospital admissions. Next is Equitable Housing and Affordable Living. Currently, Ferguson Township’s Realty Transfer Tax Rate is at 1.25%, bringing our total RTT to 2.75%, the second highest in Centre County. I will also address the Stormwater Management Fee Ordinance, Whitehall Road Reconstruction, the American Rescue Plan, and agritourism. Last, but not least, Accountability for Police and Elected Officials. As an activist and advocate for the people and I plan to make sure those in power are held accountable, including myself. These issues can only be accomplished through community engagement, and conversation; People over Politics.
Lisa Strickland
Party: Dem
Date of Birth: Nov. 4, 1973
Education: State College Area High School graduate; B.A. International Politics, Penn State; Graduate Certificate in Community and Economic Development, Penn State
Qualifications: Ferguson Township Supervisor since June 2019; SEDA-COG Board member; CRCOG Transportation and Land Use Committee member; Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordinating Committee member; Pine Grove Mills Farmer Market Steering Committee, Chair; Past Ferguson Township Planning Commission member and Chair; Centre Region Planning Commission, past Chair; Small business ownership and non-profit management experience.
Facebook: facebook.com/LisaforFerguson
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: My first priority is to improve community engagement and communication. I value the perspectives and insights of residents from across the Township. I will continue to work directly with community members and advocate for citizen advisory groups and more opportunities for public dialogue to ensure all voices are heard. Second, I will prioritize fiscal responsibility and economic development. Through careful budget review and oversight initiatives, including proposing a financial advisory committee, I will work for prudent use of tax revenue. I will work to support our small businesses and diversify our economic base through creative initiatives such as agritourism. Finally, I will prioritize long range planning for the sustainability of our community. Through coordination with regional partners and resident feedback, I will work to create sound and equitable solutions that address, in particular, environmental, public safety and infrastructure issues.
Patti Higgins
Party: Rep
Date of Birth: April 29, 1978
Education: State College Area High School; South Hills School of Business
Qualifications: Lifelong Ferguson Township resident; Seven years in banking; Fifteen years in the construction industry.
Facebook: @pattihiggins2021
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: My first priority would be to put the residents of Ferguson Township in charge, by engaging them in person, by phone, email & on social media about important township business. All residents should have the opportunity to be more involved & feel that their opinion is heard. Township residents’ concerns & opinions matter more than any board or staff members. The second priority would be to address the Stormwater Management Fee Ordinance. Many residents were not in favor of this ordinance, yet it was passed anyway. There is no limit to what property owners can be charged year to year, and it will live on in perpetuity. I would introduce a resolution to cap the fee at a lower rate, and give it an end date. My third priority would be to address the budget & spending. I will examine the budget in detail and question every line item & it’s purpose to determine if it’s a necessity. I would recommend and approve spending freezes on equipment and facilities for multiple years.
Jeremie Thompson
Party: Rep
Campaign Website: jeremiethompson.com
Date of Birth: March 4, 1989
Education: Labor and Employment Relations (BS) - Penn State ‘12
Qualifications: Ferguson Township Planning Commission Chair, Former Centre Regional Planning Commission Representative, and Over 10 Years Experience in Retail & Customer Service
Facebook: @jeremieFTWP
Twitter: @jeremieFTWP
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: While we pull through the COVID-19 pandemic, we must keep health, safety, wellness, and recovery top of mind. I will promote COVID-19 mitigation best practices; connecting residents to testing, vaccines and other essentials; and ensure proper distribution of the $1.92 million in American Rescue Plan funds allocated to the Township. In addition, I want to foster a welcoming and inclusive community. We need equitable and sustainable resolutions to social justice; public engagement and open dialogue; anti-discrimination ordinance adoption; and affordable housing options for everyone. Furthermore, sustainability is essential to our future from environment to finances. We must care and protect our environment by preserving open space, natural resources, and farmlands in addition to exploring climate action initiatives. Fiscally, we got to ensure proper and adequate funding for TWP departments and services coupled with efficient operations, financial oversight, advising, and transparency.
Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors Ward 2 (2-year term)
Candidates (choose 1):
Hilary Caldwell
Party: Dem
Date of Birth: May 4, 1990
Education: Penn State, State College Area High School
Qualifications: Budget research, communications development, event planning, and community outreach through work on municipal, county, and statewide campaigns; advocacy for reproductive rights, domestic violence awareness, gender equity, and workers; professional experience in the performing arts; resident of Ferguson Township from 2002 on
Facebook: facebook.com/hilary.caldwell.35/
Twitter: @hil_caldwell
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: As a Ferguson Township Supervisor, I would prioritize environmental stewardship, expanding access to community resources, and responsible fiscal oversight. Whether it’s preserving land through the regional growth boundaries, collaborating with developers to provide incentives for solar power, or building for the future of electric transportation, Ferguson Township is in a remarkable position to become a leader in sustainability in the region, and can partner with other municipalities in the COG to develop initiatives. We can provide programs to improve an equitable quality of life for our neighbors, with a focus on childcare programs, mental health services, community healthcare, business development, zoning for affordable housing, and more. And we can accomplish this without an additional burden on taxpayers. A pragmatic and comprehensive examination of the budget would be necessary to determine what funds can be reallocated, with an eye on investments for the future.
Robert A. Whitaker
Party: Rep
Did not respond
Harris Township Board of Supervisors
Candidates (choose 2):
Dennis Hameister
Party: Dem
Campaign Website: drhameister.com
Date of Birth: Feb. 22, 1943
Education: B.S. & M.S. Southern Illinois University, Ph.D. The University of Michigan
Qualifications: Harris Township resident since 1978. Twenty-five years as Harris Twp. Supervisor and current Chair. Serving on Centre County Planning Commission, Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority, Chair of Centre Region COG. Chair of PA Local Government Investment Trust. Serving on DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee.
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: My priorities are: 1) Ensuring efficient and reliable municipal services, such as road maintenance, neighborhood parks and recreation facilities, fire and police protection, sewer, water, trash and recycling systems, by working cooperatively with local and regional programs. 2) Managing growth and development through good planning principles and efforts of our Planning Commission and the Centre Region Planning Agency. Of particular interest is preservation of open space and working with our agricultural community to increase success by diversifying their operations. Affordable workforce housing is also important for Township growth and development. 3) Providing safe, efficient, and affordable transportation in Harris Township is important because all residents depend on transportation. Current issues include sidewalks and bike paths connecting neighborhoods, intersection safety and highway design, encouraging use of CATA, safe bridges, and improvements to U.S. Route 322.
Franklin Harden
Party: Rep
Date of Birth: June 13, 1951
Education: B.S. in Economics from Penn State
Qualifications: Career of Management and Sales; 5 1/2 years as Harris Township Supervisor, 8 years US Navy Submarine Service.
Facebook: harden4harris
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: My priority has been and will remain to serve the people of Harris Township. This drives my decisions. We have accomplished a lot of good things in the past 6 years. Going forward there is a lot of challenges for the Board of Supervisors. We have been very good at fiscal management, however there has been growth keeping up with expenses. Growth may not continue at that rate, so we will need to pay attention to expenses and level of services. The other area that is a potential issue is Parks & Recreation. With our growth, to maintain and create new opportunities, we will need to be fiscally responsible.
Tracey Moriarty
Party: WI
Campaign Website: traceyforsupervisor.org
Date of Birth: Oct. 7, 1966
Education: BS from Penn State in Finance Minor in German MS from Penn State in Finance
Qualifications: Lived in township for 22 years Business owner in the township since 2012 (Duffy’s Boalsburg Tavern) Boalsburg Village Conservancy Member Boalsburg Wine Walk Organizer Memorial Day Bagpiper I truly care about the people of this township and open communication
Facebook: Traceyforsupervisor
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. Enhance communication between the supervisors and the residents of Harris Township. • Understand the issues that are important to residents. • Enhance the flow of information by better utilizing Zoom, Facebook, Instagram, the website, texting, and even snail mail. 2. Enhance intercommunication of separate governmental groups in Harris Township. • Ensure the flow of communication within the township is open and transparent. • Encourage an open and positive dialog for the betterment of the people of Harris Township. 3. Ensure that Harris Township maintains the character and charm it has always had and on which it prides itself. Understand and monitor the growth of the township. • Be environmentally conscious and concerned. • Listen to the residents and know their needs and concerns.
Patton Township Board of Supervisors (6-year term)
Candidates (choose 1):
Sultan Magruder
Party: Dem
Campaign Website: instagram.com/sultanmagruder/
Date of Birth: July 3, 1989
Education: 2017 Oklahoma State University-Stillwater, Doctor of Philosophy Major: Counseling Psychology; 2013 Oklahoma State University-Stillwater, Master of Education Major: Counseling Psychology; 2012 Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Arts Major: Psychology Minor: Child Development and Family Studies
Qualifications: Staff Psychologist, Penn State CAPS; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator, Penn State CAPS; Instructor, Oklahoma State University; Task Force Leader, Building Resilient Communities (BRC); Campus Representative, Advocacy Coordinating Team (ACT); Vice President, ABPsi Student Circle-Stillwater; Treasurer, ABPsi Student Circle-Stillwater
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: If elected, my top three priorities will focus on: Housing, small business, and parks and recreation. First, I would like to see an increase in affordable workforce housing with pathways to renting and home ownership. I would address this issue by advocating for and approving new housing development projects that incorporates affordable housing options for the Patton Township workforce. Second, I want to support the establishment and maintenance of small local businesses to increase employment opportunities for Patton Township residents, keep monies circulating in the local economy, and increase the uniqueness of businesses in Patton Township. I would address this issue by approving sensible policies, zoning ordinances, land use, and tax rates that achieves this goal. Last, it is my hope to support the maintenance and revitalization of parks and recreation in Patton Township so as to help facilitate community building and promote the health and well-being of Patton Township residents.
Patton Township Board of Supervisors (Unexpired 4-year term)
Candidates (choose 1):
Pamela Robb
Party: Dem
Date of Birth: July 21, 1954
Education: Camden HS, Glassboro State College, US Army: ASA Telecommunications & Human Relations specialization, Zoning Land Use & Planning Certification, Police Chaplain Certification, Community Leadership Certification, and Red Cross Disaster & Volunteer Certification.
Qualifications: Current Patton Township Supervisor and Vice Chair, Council of Government (COG) Joint Public Services & Environmental and Transportation & Land Use committee member, Public Safety, Public Services and Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) committee member. Previous Service: Zoning Board of Adjustments member, Human Relations and Veteran Affairs Commission member, Red Cross Disaster, and Volunteer member. Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills, a dedicated and compassionate public servant, honest, open-minded, and courageous.
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: *Consistent communication regarding initiatives that impact our neighborhoods. I will utilize networks I’ve established in the community to transmit information and encourage feedback and will create new opportunities for soliciting community participation. *Sustainable and affordable housing. There is a need for affordable housing for those who reside in our community. I will raise concerns when developers present proposals that do not align with maintaining affordable housing and push for public officials and residents to remain open to alternative ideas that further our housing goals. *Ensure that the Board continues to promote social justice. The pandemic and current racial climate have demonstrated that communities continue to experience inequality within employment, housing, education, and healthcare. I have raised important questions related to police reform, discrimination and harassment, and accessibility to transportation and will continue to do so in my second term.
Patton Township Board of Supervisors (Unexpired 2-year term)
Candidates (choose 1):
Betsy Whitman
Party: Dem
Date of Birth: April 4, 1951
Education: BA, Mary Washington Univ., Psychology and English; Masters coursework, Univ. of Virginia, Environmental Sciences
Qualifications: Twp Supervisor, 3 yrs; Open Space Stewardship Committee, 4 yrs; Excellent communication skills; excellent people skills; passion for the job; diligent worker.
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1) Climate responsibility. As chair of the COG (Council of Government) Climate Action and Sustainability Committee, I guide and advise COG staff to educate the public on climate issues and take action to achieve pragmatic, fiscally responsible, and equitable environmental stewardship. See, for example, centresustains.com. 2) Workforce housing. The Centre Region needs more housing for teachers, nurses, police, clerks, and cashiers. I am an active member of the Patton Housing Task Force which researches housing options and will educate and advocate for fiscally and socially responsible solutions. 3) Communication. A community operates best when members are readily informed and can easily offer feedback on day-to-day township needs and activities, eg., traffic and roads; development and zoning; policing; health and safety; parks and open space. I will guide the content and function of the township’s new website which I and another supervisor initiated.
Rush Township Board of Supervisors
Candidates (choose 1):
Pat Romano Jr.
Party: Rep
Date of Birth: Oct. 7, 1968
Education: Penn State World Campus
Qualifications: -5+ years as Township Supervisor -3 years on CCATO -3 years on CCMPO -4 years Parks and Recs -1 year MoValley Fire Council -3 years Penn State Fan Council -Several decades in real estate development and general contracting
Facebook: Pat Romano Jr.
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Our top three priorities are already in motion. In my first year, we started a blight program to remove dilapidated structures and work to have properties cleaned up to make the area safer and less unsightly. We’ve recently applied for and received grants to help mitigate costs and avoid using township funds that should be reimbursed. Secondly, we have some major projects in the planning phase that I would be honored to see through to completion. We have a $3 million road project a large portion of which is funded by grants with a low percent match from the township and a $7 million sewer project that has been rumored for a couple years. Lastly, we have other projects and need to have them done as effectively as possible while avoiding a local tax. At last check, Rush is one of only two municipalities in Centre County that has no local millage and we plan to keep it that way. My goal is to remain focused on our future.
Spring Township Board of Supervisors
Candidates (choose 1):
Dave Capperella
Party: Rep
Did not respond
Walker Township Board of Supervisors
Candidates (choose 1):
Keith Harter
Party: Dem
Did not respond