Elections

Watch: Centre Daily Times speaks live with candidates running to represent our county

By CDT Staff

Updated October 18, 2022 7:30 PM

Ahead of Election Day, Centre Daily Times will hold a Meet the Candidates night to help readers learn more about the people looking to represent Centre County in Harrisburg and Washington. Our virtual event gives you the chance to hear directly from the candidates, and to ask them questions about the issues that are most important to you.

In addition to voting for governor and U.S. Senator, Centre County voters have a choice in candidates for Pennsylvania House District 77, House District 82 and House District 171, as well as the 15th Congressional District. We invited each of those candidates to participate in the event. Stephen Yetsko, the Republican candidate for House District 77, did not respond.

During this virtual event, candidates will introduce themselves to voters and answer a handful of questions, some from CDT staff and others from the community. We’re pleased to be able to offer this opportunity for voters to learn more about candidates and hope you’ll share your questions with us.

About the Candidates

Scott Conklin, State Representative - House District 77

State Representative Scott Conklin is a longstanding servant leader for the people of the 77th District and Centre County. He currently serves as the Democratic Chair of the House State Government Committee and Treasurer of the Legislative Budget & Finance Committee. Prior to holding this office, he served as a Centre County Commissioner. Representative Conklin vows to continue fighting for everyday people and championing good governance in Harrisburg.

Michael Molesevich, Candidate for 15th Congressional District

Mike was raised in Mount Carmel, Northumberland County, and earned a BS degree in environmental science from Juniata College, and an MS from Bucknell University in Energy & Environmental Policy. Mike lives in Lewisburg, Union County, and is a small business owner assisting businesses, industries and homeowners with energy and environmental matters for over 40 years. Mike’s community service includes eight years on the Lewisburg Borough Council, and four years as mayor of Lewisburg. He is a current member of the Union County Historical Society, various environmental organizations, and has served on community boards, and a member of several chambers of commerce and business networking groups.

Paul Takac, Candidate for House District 82

Paul is a father, a husband and a businessman who has spent the past two decades working with educators across the commonwealth to help transform technology in the classroom. He also serves on College Township Council, and as Chair of both the Centre Region Council of Government’s Public Safety Committee and Spring Creek Watershed Commission. As a longtime member of this community, Paul cares deeply about the issues that face his friends and neighbors, and wants to take his experience in education, business, and local government to make the legislature in Harrisburg work for the people in his district.

Justin Behrens, Candidate for House District 82

Justin Behrens is no stranger to public service, and he has placed his life on the line for our country in the US Army in Iraq. Behrens is a social worker by trade, where he has built programs to educate and empower those with extreme mental illness. He has used his role as a community leader and nonprofit executive to advocate for those experiencing homelessness. Behrens has spent his life serving others and is now ready to do the same for the 82nd district of Pa. Behrens is passionate about representing the 82nd district and bringing real change to policies that benefit everyone.

Glenn “GT” Thompson, United States Congressman – 15th Congressional District

Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson is a lifelong resident of Howard. He holds a B.S. from the Pennsylvania State University, M.A. from Temple University and is a former Therapist and Licensed Nursing Home Administrator; former Bald Eagle Area School Board Member; former Centre County GOP Chairman; Member of Congress PA-5 (2009-2019); Member of Congress PA-15 (2020-Current), National Distinguished Eagle Scout Award winner (2016): Republican Leader of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee (2020-Current), Senior Member U.S. House Education & Labor Committee (2009-Current), and Bipartisan Congressional Career & Technical Education Caucus Co-Chair (2012-Current).

Robert Zeigler, Candidate for House District 171

Robert Zeigler is a working-class candidate and local community leader who has been on the Millheim Borough Council for four years and has successfully advocated for: high speed rural broadband, utilizing solar energy to offset energy costs, providing more support for the Penns Valley EMS and Millheim Fire Company, providing paid parental leave, getting more funding for infrastructure projects and economic development, and cutting local taxes.

Kerry Benninghoff, State Representative for House District 171

Kerry has represented portions of Centre and Mifflin County in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 1997 and has a passion for tax reform, victim advocacy, cancer research, and economic growth. He was elected by his colleagues in June 2020 to serve as Majority Leader and re-elected to that role for the 2021-2022 session.