Primary election voters guide: Supervisor, council races in Centre County
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2025 primary election guide
The Pennsylvania municipal primary is May 20, and Centre County voters will see statewide judicial candidates on their ballots, along with local races for councils, boards of supervisors and boards of education. 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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Primary election voters guide: Supervisor, council races in Centre County
Primary election voters guide: Bellefonte, State College school board races
Primary election voters guide: Who’s running for Centre County DA, district judge?
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Primary election voters guide: Here are candidates in PA judicial races
Bellefonte Borough Council-Ward 1 (4-year term)
(Choose no more than two)
Rita Purnell
Party: Republican
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: It has been my pleasure to serve the Bellefonte Borough residents on council for the past four years. If reelected, my top three priorities would be continued fiscal responsibility, advocating for the safety and wellbeing of our residents and being available to hear the concerns of our residents. It has been, and will continue to be, one of my top priorities to review all available options to resolve issues and to choose the best option that falls within the budget constraints that we have. I will continue to strive to be as careful with our residents’ money as I am with my own. We live in a beautiful and safe community. I have and will continue to advocate to address issues of safety for our residents to be resolved in a timely manner and to be proactively addressing areas of concern as much as possible. Finally, I will continue to be available to hear and address residents’ concerns via email, phone or in person providing feed back to their concerns in a timely manner.
Kimberly Shenk
Party: Republican
Education: Defense Language Institute; CA Coast University
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: A former military intel vet, Kim has resided in the area for 30 yrs, the last ten in the borough. She recently retired from Restek as Global Pricing Mgr where she gained 30+ yrs of sales & related business experience, including being one of a handful of senior business leaders selected for a business transformation project that involved challenging most processes for efficiency & profitability.
Problem solving begins with respectfully listening to the concerns of others. Active listening is critical to understand & adopt a common-sense approach to resolve issues in a way that is beneficial to the community & fiscally responsible.
A lengthy & multi-faceted career in business has molded me into a driven & organized person with a passion for efficiency & execution. I commit to using those traits to encourage action where needed utilizing clear & timely communication.
Keeping Bellefonte a safe place to live & raise families is important as is supporting those who provide that security.
Claudia Wilson
Party: Democratic
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Susquehanna University; MEd Early Childhood Education (equivalency); Continuing Education, Financial Accounting, Penn State University; Instructional I,II Certification, Early Childhood (N-3) and Elementary (K-6), Penn State University
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Bellefonte is a safe, beautiful and well-cared for community, a real gem, from its historic buildings, to the parks and green spaces, to its walkability and the feeling of security.
As a Bellefonte Borough council member I will:
Collaborate respectfully with an open mind, gather input, work toward constructive solutions and share updates and outcomes on issues with residents.
Ensure that Bellefonte remains a desirable and welcoming place to live with a focus on the preservation of natural and historical resources, supporting a vital downtown business district, maintaining infrastructure and services within budget and encouraging vibrant community engagement.
Look toward the future and create a shared vision, for what Bellefonte will be in the next 5, 10, 25 years and how our town will proactively plan for changing economic development, population growth and housing needs, environmental concerns and other challenges.
I am eager to work with you for the benefit of Bellefonte.
Bellefonte Borough Council-Ward 2
(Choose one)
Barbarba Dann
Party: Republican
Did not respond to questions.
Bellefonte Borough Council-Ward 3
(Choose two)
Zach Kelly
Party: Democratic
Did not respond to questions.
Shawna McKean
Party: Democratic
Did not respond to questions.
Bellefonte Borough Mayor
(Choose one)
Gene D. Johnson
Party: Republican
Did not respond to questions.
College Township Council
(Choose no more than two)
L. Eric Bernier
Party: Democratic
Education: State College High School (1975); Penn State (1975-1979); United States Army Reserve (1979-1985)
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: The temptation is to choose three of the recent hot button issues — traffic calming, student housing, affordable housing etc. As an existing Council member though my priorities are already integrated into the Township’s Budget, Capital Improvement Plan, Vision, and Mission Statement. So, the most important issue to me is dealing with all issues concurrently and in the context of the big picture. 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 in working through all issues to ensure that Township residents have an opportunity to be heard as part of the decision-making process. I’m very proud of the current culture established at the Township and the resulting relationship with its residents.
Gretchen Brandt
Party: Democratic
Education: Masters in Pubic Administration (MPA), Central Michigan University
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Responsible Development is my top priority due to the ongoing development projects in College Township. Along with responsible development we must include sustainable practices not only in development plans, but also in specific building practices. Incorporating sustainability into our planning will not only help to reduce carbon emissions, but is also fiscally responsible and will create healthier living for residents, and ultimately, a higher quality of life. I am a proponent of walkability within our township as well as connecting bike paths, trails, and sidewalks. Accessibility in our planning is imperative so that all residents are able to enjoy our beautiful township. Seeking and implementing public input is something I prioritize with due diligence because of my respect for the democratic process. Elected officials work for the residents, and I intend to use this lens should I have the honor to serve the township on the Council.
Ferguson Township Supervisor At Large
(Choose no more than two)
Omari Patterson
Party: Democratic
Campaign website: www.omariforpa.com
Education: BS Chemical Eng’g; MS Telecom. Sys. Mgmt.; MS Real Estate
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090385140421
X: @omariforpa
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Issue 1: I believe we should have a Fair Tax Structure. We need to Keep taxes fair for all — both homeowners, renters and businesses.
As such, we will devise an efficient budget with excellent services. In 2024, the board raised taxes to support the increased costs of critical police and fire services. The board repealed the storm water fee; for me it was about fairness in how the fee was applied.
Issue 2: Let’s open Ferguson Township for more business! We can find thoughtful ways to address density (e.g. encourage housing development for everyone who works here) while Preserving Agriculture.
Issue 3: We will mitigate risks associated with critical services. I heard from many constituents re: Rock Springs and I took action that I could. I will continue to explore ways to decrease the cost of infrastructure improvements, utilize infrastructure as a revenue source, and evaluate improved ways to maintain services for all of Ferguson Township.
Trevor White
Party: Democratic
Campaign website: www.votetrevorwhite.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574188805918
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/trevorwhiteforferg.bsky.social
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. Housing Affordability: Zoning reform, enforcing prohibitions on short-term rentals, and working to ban real-estate price fixing software.
2. Preserving Agriculture: Zoning reform to ensure single family home development does not encroach on our preservation areas.
3. Building a Sense of Community: By being an open book and communicating with residents at every opportunity, we can establish trust, not just with elected officials, but with one another. During an extremely precarious political environment, it is important now, more than ever, that Ferguson Township feels like a home for all.
David Robert Wolfgang
Party: Republican
Campaign website: www.wolfgangforsupervisor.com
Education: BS Ursinus College, VMD University of Pennsylvania, MPH Penn State Hershey School of Medicine
Facebook: www.facebook.com/david.wolfgang.3154
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: First, budgets exceed income and are rapidly reducing the Ferguson Township’s reserves. Smaller taxes and fees have already been raised. Projected budgets will be in the red by millions of dollars. This cannot continue without depleting the township’s reserve and greatly increasing taxes. Projected expenditures should be re-evaluated and increased tax rates avoided. Second, very few new single family housing units are being built in the township. New housing has been dominated by condominiums and apartments. This is needed but does not replace affordable workforce housing. The township should facilitate the building of single family units attractive to a growing workforce. Third, within our township there are many unused commercial buildings and office spaces. This indicates the environment is not as attractive for businesses as it should be. Regulations could be evaluated to see if mixed use or hybrid models for use might be found.
State College Borough Council (4 year term)
(Choose no more than three)
Gopal Balachandran
Party: Democratic
Education: J.D. GW Law; M.A. U of C; B.S. UNC-CH
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: My top three priorities are housing, sustainability and making our community more inclusive. The first two goals I hope to address through the ongoing zoning rewrite. It’s been about fifty years since our zoning code was adopted and I believe our zoning can help stimulate the type of housing we need to attract more workers and families to the borough.
Zoning is intimately tied to our sustainability efforts. I was heartened to see the Next Gen plan adopted as part of our council. If realized, the plan has the potential to transform the borough into the kind of walkable and bikeable place that many have long dreamed of.
Given the broad attacks on immigrants and international students, it’s more vital than ever to keep our community open and welcoming to all. Part of that openness and welcoming attitude comes from our wonderful community engagement. But we also need to make sure our policing remains fair and unbiased and maintains good relations with the community.
John Hayes
Party: Democratic
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: As a Borough Councilor, my top priorities are improving housing availability, streamlining permitting, and enhancing public spaces. Our current zoning was written in the 1950s, so I am committed to a long overdue comprehensive overhaul, towards a goal of increasing housing availability and reducing housing costs in the Borough. If we want our children and our graduates to stay and live here, we must allow gentle growth to keep pace with increasing population so they are not priced out of housing. Byzantine permitting processes are inherently biased against small local entrepreneurs who cannot afford the lawyers needed to navigate unnecessarily complex rules. By simplifying zoning and expediting permitting, we can encourage creation of new homes and businesses that match the scope and scale of our neighborhoods. Last, I will focus on improving our public spaces to provide vibrant, welcoming third spaces that foster community and enhance quality of life for all residents.
Nalini Krishnankutty
Party: Democratic
Campaign website: www.instagram.com/naliniforboroughcouncil
Education: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Penn State
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NaliniForBoroughCouncil
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: I am honored to be serving our community as a council member. If re-elected, my key priority remains maintaining our high quality of life and services, while enabling sustainable growth that preserves our strong neighborhoods, increases affordable housing supply and ensures a vibrant downtown that supports local businesses and community building. Another top priority is continuing to increase resident engagement, including via participation in the borough’s Authorities, Boards, and Commissions (ABCs). A third priority is sustainable energy and transportation initiatives, reliable fire protection and EMS, and accessible libraries and parks. To tackle these, I will rely on my experience and understanding of complex local issues gained from my first term, and my professional training to channel multiple perspectives. I will also explore solution-driven town-gown and regional collaborations that use the expertise and experience of engaged residents to support and shape local governance.
State College Borough Mayor
(Choose one)
Ezra Nanes
Party: Democratic
Education: www.linkedin.com/in/ezrananes
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EzraForPA
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/ezrananes.bsky.social
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: I ran for Mayor because I love this community. Because Mieke and I want to see leadership that stands up for our most vulnerable neighbors — including our LGBTQ+ and transgender community. Because we wanted to see investment in bike and pedestrian safety and infrastructure, an increase in housing availability, action on climate change, and a thriving, welcoming Borough where businesses grow, students feel at home, where we help those who need it, and residents of all backgrounds are valued and have a voice. I have presided over Council with a steady hand, fostering dignity, respect, and efficient and effective dialogue and decision-making. I have built relationships with state and federal leaders, ensuring our community has a seat at the table. If you believe in what we’ve accomplished together, I ask for your support. Let’s continue building a State College that is strong, inclusive, and prepared for the future. Thank you.
Benner Township Board of Supervisors
(Choose one)
Therese Hollen
Party: Republican
Did not respond to questions.
Larry Lingle
Party: Republican
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: No New Taxes. With continuous growth in the Twsp we will be able to maintain the same tax rate. (We have not had a tax increase since 1996)
Road maintenance and snow removal. We have upgrade much of our equipment to make our road crew one of the best in the State!
Parks and Recreation update. Maintenance crew will be upgrading playground Equipment. Along with attempting to get Bellefonte School District to donate existing playground ground equipment from Benner Elementary school closing.
Harris Township Board of Supervisors
(Choose one)
Christopher Murrell
Party: Democratic
Education: BA Film/Video, BA CAMS The Pennsylvania State University
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: I’d prioritize improving bicycle and pedestrian access across the township, including connections to the village, Galbraith Gap, and Rothrock. As an active community and outdoor destination, we need better, safer access. These goals align with the current MPO/ATP, and I’d work with local groups and citizens to move them forward.
I also support the ongoing, responsible stewardship of township resources. Thanks to past and current supervisors, our township and Boalsburg Village are thriving while preserving their unique character. I’m eager to learn from them and collaborate with our committees to maintain that balance.
Finally, I’ll ensure Harris residents have a strong voice in regional projects like the State College Area Connector. I’m committed to staying engaged and advocating early and often to ensure these developments reflect our community’s needs and protect landowners, homeowners, and businesses.
Patton Township Board of Supervisors
(Choose no more than two)
Heidi Miller Kruesi
Party: Democratic
Did not respond to questions.
Pamela Robb
Party: Democratic
Did not respond to questions.
Spring Township Board of Supervisors
(Choose one)
Korena Defurio
Party: Republican
Did not respond to questions.
Frank W. Royer
Party: Republican
Did not respond to questions.
Walker Township Board of Supervisors
(Choose one)
Wyatt J. Harter
Party: Republican
Education: High school
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: My first priority will be bringing civility and order back to township meetings where the public can have an orderly dialogue with supervisors to be able to accomplish the goals of the township and not be in a deadlock. Secondly, I would like to ensure Parks and Rec. money is utilized to better accommodate the young, growing families in the township with more family activities through the year. Lastly, I would like to make sure Walker Township stays a rural area with the values of a small town community.
James Heckman
Party: Republican
Education: High School Graduate
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: As a Supervisor I have tried to make a fair judgment on any issues in Walker Township and make sure they are beneficial to Township residents. I have worked with Walker Township Fire Company and the Water Association for any issues in the Township. I always keep in contact with any Township residents who have an issue or problem and try and resolve it. As a Walker Township Supervisor I have always tried to do my best for the Township and its residents.
Halfmoon Township Supervisors
(Choose no more than two)
Chuck Beck
Party: Republican
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: My family has called Halfmoon Township home for generations. Throughout that time, Halfmoon Township has largely remained a unique area that provides the best of both worlds: rural living within close proximity to the urban life of State College. It’s a priority of mine to preserve the quiet and freedom of this rural township, along with the agricultural impact it has always provided. Preserving farmland from being turned into condensed housing has the added benefit of increased safety by not putting further strain on an already busy Route 550. It’s important to me to be able to maintain the infrastructure in our community without raising taxes and placing further burden on our residents, especially at this time with the quickly rising cost of living. Therefore, I vote to avoid overspending in order to get the best benefits for our taxpayer dollars.
Bruce Helms
Party: Republican
Education: BS degree in electrical engineering, PSU ‘78; MS degree in Quality Management, PSU ‘98
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: I will maintain the rural living nature of Halfmoon Township by voting “no” to any ordinance changes that restrict residents’ rights to utilize their properties in a “rural residential” manner.
I will maintain the current township budget priorities including voting “no” to hiring a Township Manager or signing another contract with Schlow Library (which we do fund at a reasonable level with a budget line item).
I will vote “yes” to increasing the roadworks projects within budget limits and to provide equipment upgrades when justifiable.
Lorin Nauman
Party: Republican
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Essential Services: Ensure the continuation of essential services by working closely with the Upper Bald Eagle/Halfmoon COG to secure future funding. Implement thorough planning and accountability to maintain township roads, parks, and buildings.
Citizen Engagement: Foster increased resident involvement by sharing and responding to citizen emails and meeting comments. Enhance communication by upgrading the township website to provide searchable information on local issues and events. Restore committee reports to strengthen transparency and participation.
Rural Preservation: Protect the township’s rural character by managing growth through the rural preservation plan. Support the Open Space Program to mitigate development pressures. Actively engage citizens in all aspects of community planning to ensure sustainable growth.
David Piper
Party: Republican
Did not respond to questions.
Donnan Stoicovy
Party: Democratic
Education: B.S. in Education (Edinboro University 1974), Masters in Education (Edinboro University, 1989), Elementary Principal Certification 1990 (Westminster College), Secondary Administrative Certification 1990 (Edinboro University), Worked on Ph. D. in Curriculum and Supervision 2008-2014 - All But Dissertation (The Pennsylvania State University)
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Here are my top 3 priorities and the means for addressing them as our Township Supervisor:
1. Ensure Community Safety: Maintain viable and responsive emergency services by providing adequate funding for Port Matilda Fire Company and Port Matilda EMS; Ensure safe, well-maintained, and high-quality roads with an effective road crew; Support and implement best practices for stormwater management by seeking grants and other resources available; Protect and preserve our drinking water resources
2. Encourage Open Communication and Build Trust: Actively listen to citizens’ concerns and ideas during township meetings; Foster meaningful two-way dialogue with residents; Maintain a fiscally responsible budget through thoughtful strategic planning
3. Preserve Our Rural Character: Protect and strengthen the Open Space Program; Pursue permanent conservation easements; Engage the community in planning processes to ensure a rural future; Maintain parks and provide recreational activities
This story was originally published May 11, 2025 at 6:30 AM.