Election 2021 voters guide: Meet the candidates for council, mayor in State College & Bellefonte
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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.
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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
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Election 2021 voters guide: Here are the candidates for Pennsylvania judicial races
Bellefonte Borough Council Ward 1
Candidates (choose 2):
Melissa Hombosky
Party: Dem
Date of Birth: Oct. 19, 1978
Education: 2002, Penn College of Technology, BS
Qualifications: Bellefonte Borough Council, five years; Board member and Event chair, Downtown Bellefonte Inc.; Board member, Springboard
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: First, I wish to continue to support our local merchants. We are lucky to have a strong business community that has continued to grow despite a global pandemic. As a small business owner myself, I understand the unique challenges that face businesses daily. Second, continue to keep our community safe while we enter the recovery phase of COVID-19. I’m so appreciative of the sacrifices that our friends and neighbors have made to stop the spread. Third, I am chair of our Parks committee. Over the past year, our parks system has seen an uptick in resident use and I hope that we can continue that trend. There are so many outdoor recreation activities in our region and some of them start right in our parks. How can we continue to grow these amenities?
Jon Eaton
Party: Dem
Education: High School: Bald Eagle Nittany - 1977, College: Penn State Mechanical Engineering - BS (1981), MS (1991)
Qualifications: 1) Borough resident since 1985, 2) Council member since 2017, 3) Project Manager for several R&D programs (external funding) at ARL-Penn State, 4) Department Head - ARL Penn State
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: As a member of Council’s Finance and Human Resources committees; I consider 1) Budget & taxes, 2) Regional Integration, and 3) the American Rescue Plan funds to be immediate challenges to Bellefonte. Bellefonte’s Real Estate tax rates are 4 to 9-times higher than those of the surrounding townships. The 2021 Budget document initiates an effort to concisely explain the flow of tax revenue and expenditures. This educational focus must be expanded in the future Like the collaborative agreements between our water and sewage authorities, Integration of the safety and emergency services within Nittany Valley will minimize duplication and provide regional coverage of services. This is a direct solution to the regional imbalance in Real Estate taxes. Bellefonte will distribute $617,000 in COVID relief funds in 2021. This will require maximum transparency and compliance with federal guidelines. It’s a tremendous opportunity to fund deferred projects and provide relief to the community.
Rita Purnell
Party: Rep
Date of Birth: Aug. 24, 1965
Education: B.S. and M.S. in Agricultural Engineering at Penn State
Qualifications: Ways and Means Chairperson of the Junior Woman’s Club of State College (1999-2000), Treasurer of the Junior Woman’s Club of State College (2000-2002), Office Assistant at AJ Fine & Co. (2004-2006), Treasurer of the Bellefonte YMCA swim team parents group (2009–2011), President of Class of 2014 Parent’s Group (2010-2014)
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: I believe that as an elected government official, it would be my duty and honor to listen to my constituents’ concerns and make decisions on their behalf based on the best interests of the people and the Borough. I will make myself available to hear their concerns. I believe that in order for the people to have faith in their government, information about issues to be discussed and decisions to be made needs to be freely available. I will make sure that this information is made available to the people in a timely manner and in as many areas as possible. I believe that as a Borough Council member, it would be my duty to be as careful with the budget of the Borough as I would be with my own budget. I will be diligent in the quest to save the Borough money while still providing the best services possible.
Kent D. Bernier
Party: Rep
Date of Birth: July 21, 1968
Education: Bachelor Degree From Penn State - 1993 Administration Of Justice
Qualifications: I have lived and worked in this community for almost 30 years. I feel I am qualified for Borough Council because I care about Bellefonte, have children and a family here and want to get involved in my community.
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. To bring the priorities of our residents to borough council. I want to represent the residents and be a voice for my neighbors. 2. To keep things simple and to apply common sense to our decisions. I have spent my career trying to apply common sense to some of the most difficult situations. I want to help do that on Borough Council. 3. I would like to better understand what goes into the decisions that are being made within council. To try and better understand, I’m running for office. My goal is to get elected and have a voice in the process.
Bellefonte Borough Council Ward 2 (4-year term)
Candidates (choose 1):
Barbara Dann
Party: Rep
Campaign Website: votebarbaradann.com
Education: Graduate - Bellefonte Area High School Graduate - CCVTS - Practical Nursing
Qualifications: • Extensive experience in all facets of small business operations with 21 years as owner/operator • Superb written and verbal communication skills acquired through years of public speaking and teaching • Wide-ranging background in operational budgets, product development, business contracts and customer relations • Ability to share ideas and thoughts in a concise and clear manner • Able to foster productive relationships by eliciting feedback and being responsive to other’s needs
Facebook: Barbara Dann for Bellefonte Borough Council facebook.com/groups/275380854171956/
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. The Bellefonte Community deserves Fair Representation from Borough Council. This starts with communication and accessibility between Council and the community. I will facilitate in person meetings. I will provide regular updates of the meetings and proposed ordinances in a timely and expected manor. I will provide different ways to contact me so I’m accessible to the community. 2. Our Police Department is an important and valued part of our community. I will establish a good working relationship with the department to ensure that our community is kept safe. I will support the Police Department with their funding needs including training, equipment and other related budget needs. 3. Bellefonte Borough Council needs diverse membership to represent the community. When everyone in a group agrees there is no room for growth, creativity or fair representation. I will speak up and serve the wonderful people of Bellefonte!
Bellefonte Borough Council Ward 2 (2-year term)
Candidates (choose 1):
Randall Brachbill
Party: Rep
Education: Graduate of Bellefonte Area School District and Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology
Qualifications: Currently serving a 2nd term on Bellefonte Borough Council as Council Vice President. Works well with other Council Members and members of our neighboring communities. Sits on the Centre Region COG Public Safety Committee, Nittany Valley Joint Planning Commission, Chairs Bellefonte Council Safety Committee, sits on Streets and Building/Property Committees. Serves on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs. Over 30 years of experience in Facility Management both healthcare- and business-related and extensive volunteer experiences. Has lived in Bellefonte for 42+years with wife Cathy, together they have one daughter, Lindsay.
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. Pedestrian Safety: I encouraged the hiring of an engineering firm to complete a study of downtown crosswalks and street lighting with the goal of applying for a PennDOT permit for crosswalk improvements. I support our Planning Commission working with the engineering firm for long-term street improvement. 2. Revenues and Expenses: I support: The 2021 budget of cutting expenses with no tax increase; Council avoiding the funding of non-budgeted requests; The sale of 2 acres of Armory property to provide additional tax revenue; Approval of a strategic management plan for more effective local government. 3. Bringing Bellefonte back to normal: I support: Restaurants having assigned parking stalls for curbside pickup; Park activities where people gather while maintaining social distancing; Masking; People receiving COVID vaccines; Continuing current Borough employee COVID 19 protocols; State COVID-19 guidelines that protect the health and safety of residents and businesses.
Mary Abbott
Party: Dem
Date of Birth: Sept. 26, 1969
Education: Bachelor of Music Education from Penn State Masters of Ethnomusicology from University of Maryland
Qualifications: I was born and raised in Centre County and have lived in Bellefonte for 15+ years. I co-own a successful business (Jabebo Studio) with my husband. I have worked in both education and in job-placement so I feel like I have a pretty good grip on many of the issues confronting Bellefonte.
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Bellefonte has become a much more vibrant small town in the 15 years that I have lived here. I want to see that trend continue by ensuring that Bellefonte is friendly to both pedestrians and small businesses. I would also like to see Bellefonte promote and maintain its beauty and Victorian charm. I believe that the upcoming project at the Diamond is an opportunity to make the town both more lovely and more pedestrian friendly. I know that change isn’t always easy, but the proposed projects are intended to make pedestrians more visible to motorists and to open up more area at the Diamond for landscaping, plantings, and outdoor gathering and eating. By creating a town that is safe and inviting for visitors and residents alike, the downtown businesses will benefit. In addition, I would work towards continuing collaboration between the borough and DBI (Downtown Bellefonte, Inc.) and the Chamber of Commerce to support and promote the great events that bring people to our enchanting town.
Bellefonte Borough Council Ward 3
Candidates (choose 2):
Jeffrey J. Puhala
Party: Rep
Date of Birth: Sept. 20, 1975
Education: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum Leadership - Northeastern University Master of Education in the Administrative Program for K-12 Principals - California University of Pennsylvania Master of Music in Saxophone Performance - Penn State Bachelor of Science in Education, Music Education - Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Qualifications: Resident of Bellefonte Borough since 2005 21 years of experience in public education Children in the local school system
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: I have lived in Bellefonte Borough, Ward 3, since 2005. My career in public education has spanned 21 years giving me the necessary skills to serve the general public. I am the father of two young daughters and want to assure they continue to grow up in a safe and vibrant community. If elected to Bellefonte Borough Council I will focus on three priorities: 1. Support Police Funding - I will support an annual budget that fully funds law enforcement to ensure a safe community. 2. Support Local Businesses - I will support business zoning to encourage small business growth and reasonable parking fees for residents and visitors of Bellefonte. 3. Fair Citizen Representation - I will support the development of new communication methods to ensure every resident is aware of proposed ordinances and other action items to encourage public comment before a final vote.
Shawna McKean
Party: Dem
Date of Birth: Feb. 13, 1958
Education: MEd Counselor Education, Penn State. BS Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State.
Qualifications: I have been a resident of Bellefonte for 12 years and opened my therapy practice here over two years ago. I believe my training as a counselor allows me to problem solve and consider various options before deciding on a course of action.
Facebook: Shawna Confer McKean, Shawna Mckean LPC, LLC
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Historic Preservation: I would address this by encouraging investment in the rehabilitation and reuse of historic buildings. I would like to incorporate a beautification program for the business section of Bellefonte with plantings and window boxes. Business Development: I envision Bellefonte developing an artsy vibe with small town charm. Small shops offering a variety of goods that appeal to a mixture of people. I would love to develop a dog park similar to Tudek Park for residents and weekend visitors. Community Events: I would work to bring events to Bellefonte to engage people and promote tourism. The possibilities for a town as rich in history as Bellefonte are limitless. I would encourage the advertisement of historic walking tours, including Bellefonte’s part in the Underground Railroad. I would seek out opportunities to bring new ideas and events such as a psychic fair, a wine and food festival and art exhibits in Talleyrand Park, to name a few.
Johanna Sedgwick
Party: Dem
Did not respond
Bellefonte Borough Mayor
Candidates (choose 1):
Gene D. Johnson Jr.
Party: Rep
Date of Birth: Jan. 20, 1972
Education: BS Lock Haven University MS California University of PA
Qualifications: Educator within the Bellefonte Area School District for the past 21 years Bellefonte Borough resident 21 years
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: My name is Gene Johnson Jr. but you may know me as Buddy Johnson. I am proud to be running for the office of Mayor of Bellefonte. I have dedicated the past 21 years to educating our youth within the Bellefonte Area and it is my wish to continue to be an integral part of our community by looking out for the well being and best interests of all. If elected, my top priorities would be bridging the gap between our community and the borough council, as well as the police department. I will do my part to help ensure that we continue to live in a safe, comfortable community. I will work tirelessly to help ensure that all community members are heard and are as proud as I am to reside in the Borough of Bellefonte. Thank You, Gene “Buddy” Johnson
State College Borough Council
Candidates (choose 3):
B. Divine Lipscomb
Party: Dem
Campaign Website: paunited.org/cantwait/
Date of Birth: Dec. 11, 1982
Education: Rehabilitation and Human Services Penn State May ‘22
Facebook: facebook.com/Divine-Lipscomb-for-State-College-Borough-Council-108367151293467
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Restorative Justice: I will address harms caused in government, and in our neighborhoods, in order reestablished trust and community dialogue. through reallocation of funding to support mental health issues, the community oversight board, and efforts like the Centre County Community Conferencing Program. Finally, listening to the voices of the community and governing with them. Housing Justice: implement common sense development practices and the impact to live long residents, while remembering to include our local young professional and our unhoused population in those plans. Economic Justice: There should never be an exception to poverty. Advocating for local ability to push for livable wages not only for students but for locals that are inundated with rising bills and hospitality earnings.
Gopal Balachandran
Party: Dem
Campaign Website: paunited.org/cantwait/ facebook.com/CentralPAUnited/ facebook.com/BalachandranCouncil/
Date of Birth: March 2, 1975
Education: B.S. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill M.A. University of Chicago J.D. The George Washington University Law School
Qualifications: I worked in the criminal justice system as a public defender for over ten years. I continue to work for criminal justice reform as a clinical professor of law at Penn State. I run a criminal appellate/ post-conviction clinic at the law school. I have a diverse background. My undergraduate degree is in Chemistry and I have a Master’s degree in history, along with my J.D. I am a child of immigrants and proud to call State College home.
Facebook: facebook.com/BalachandranCouncil/
Twitter: @gopalbala75
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: First, I want a better balance between policing and the community. I intend on accomplishing this goal with proper, guaranteed (not reserve) funding for the Community Oversight Board and the Civilian Response Team. Both of these units should have real oversight powers and not be simply rubber stamps. Second, I want sustainable communities with better access to downtown through walking or biking. I am strongly in support of the pilot pedestrian plaza on Allen Street in downtown through the summer months and will fight for better pedestrian cross walks across busy intersections like Park Avenue and Atherton Street. I want there to be a reimagining of downtown State College as an outdoor, pedestrian friendly, gathering place for residents, families, students and visitors. Third, I want there to be affordable housing for all. We should allow affordable housing residents to live on the same floor in the high rises and look for more options in places with access to downtown.
Richard Biever
Party: Dem
Campaign Website: facebook.com/Richard-Biever-A-progressive-voice-for-State-Colleges-Borough-Council-106285324838554
Date of Birth: April 18, 1963
Education: American Academy of Dramatic Arts, NYC Bachelor of Music Education, Indiana University MFA in Directing for the Musical Theatre, Penn State
Qualifications: Borough resident for over 20 years Small business owner severely affected by Covid Political advocate
Facebook: facebook.com/Richard-Biever-A-progressive-voice-for-State-Colleges-Borough-Council-106285324838554
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. Reallocations of police funds to social services, such as mental health and homeless shelters. Ideas on this have already been proposed and I would support these based on input from community social service leaders. 2. Affordable housing. One idea is to allow multi-family housing in neighborhoods which would reduce housing costs and make neighborhoods more diverse. Along with this issue is a vision for zoning in the downtown area that takes the long-term health of the borough in terms of climate change and congestion. 3. Universal Basic Income for low-wage earners. Taking Federal pandemic money that comes to the borough and giving it directly to residents who are in most need.
Jacob R. Werner
Party: Rep
Campaign Website: facebook.com/JRWStateCollege
Date of Birth: July 11, 1975
Education: BS--Penn State VMD--University of Pennsylvania
Qualifications: I am a proud member of the State College Community and believe in a safe and welcome community that ensures transparency. I believe that the human experience transcends any political party and that all people must have a voice in government. I serve on several national and international boards working with people from various cultural and educational backgrounds to help establish policy and ensure compliance.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JRWStateCollege
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: State College is not Red or Blue ... it is WE ARE! It is my desire to support that sentiment through creating a community of fiscal transparency and responsibility, providing openness and fairness to all, and preserving town character/green space while supporting local business. I would: Call a financial and service audit of the Borough functions including the ABC’s to determine appropriate function and use of funds—providing transparency on how funds are spent and assessed including but not limited to fee for services like trash/recycling; Ensure decisions made are done with the voice of the community. All should feel safe and welcome. There can be no animosity or divisiveness within the community starting with council. Everyone has a voice; it is my mission to be the voice for all people in the community; provide feedback and gather input; Establish code on design and construction and institute best practices including open air green areas to entice patronage of local business.
State College Borough Mayor
Candidates (choose 1):
Ezra Nanes
Party: Dem
Campaign Website: http://bit.ly/ezra-for-mayor
Date of Birth: June 4, 1972
Education: - University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor of Arts with Distinction ‘94 - Penn State Smeal College of Business, Masters of Business Administration, Marketing and Finance ‘12, Valedictorian
Qualifications: - 3 Decades of Professional and Leadership Experience in the Performing Arts, Hospitality and Event Planning, Product Development and Business Development. - Member of the Osaze Osagie Memorial Scholarship Endowment Committee - Member of the Brit Shalom Social Action Committee - Career Mentor, Penn State Smeal College of Business MBA Program 2012-Present - Mentored Dozens of Students and Served as Panelist at Numerous Career Development Events - Candidate for PA State Senate, 2018 - Executive Committee Member, Centre County Democratic Committee (CCDC), 2019-Present, Member of HR Subcommittee, Host of Major Fundraising and Volunteer Appreciation Events. - Campaign Chair, Teamwork Centre County - Provided Strategic, Fundraising and Publicity Guidance to Winning Democratic County Slate of Candidates, leading to historic wins - Re-Election of both Democratic County Commissioners, Election of first ever female Treasurer in Centre County. - Member, Nittany Mountain Biking Association 2011-Present - Organizer and Participant in Trailwork Projects in Rothrock State Forest - Member of the Board, University of Pennsylvania, Class of 1994
Facebook: facebook.com/EzraForPA
Twitter: twitter.com/EzraNanes
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: As State College Mayor, I will be the voice of all people in our community and provide leadership as a close partner of the Borough Council and Administration. I will seek to ensure that our community’s urgent priorities inform our budget through increased investments in pedestrian and bike infrastructure, equity programs (including affordable housing and the COB), and sustainability. These investments benefit all residents, increasing health and wellness and making downtown even more accessible, vibrant, and attractive to businesses. My public advocacy for immigrants, transgender individuals, and underrepresented racial and ethnic groups informs my service, and I will champion the right of every person to be represented, empowered, and protected. Creating a welcoming and inclusive community that values everyone’s unique contribution will enable us to grow together and enjoy harmony and lasting prosperity. Please let me know what matters most to you. I will be proud to serve you.