Citing the township's high monthly sewer fee, the five candidates vying for the one Scott Twp. Supervisor seat agreed it's imperative to manage finances wisely.
Thomas J. Smith, a retired general manager at Redman Trucking Co., will challenge incumbent Dave Makala, who was elected in 2007, in the Republican ticket.
While Bob "Rocko" Mroczka, Bob Noldy and Stanley E. Stracham will square off in the May primary for the one Democratic slot in the general election.
Mr. Noldy said a greater emphasis needs to be put on maintaining township equipment, such as vehicles. Officials are wasting money when they purchase new vehicles instead of making necessary repairs, he said.
"It's one area where we can definitely improve, and it's my goal to make this township affordable again," he said.
Though he believes all township employees should be provided with health care coverage, Mr. Stracham said the employees should pay a reasonable share of the cost.
"If we can negotiate with the employees to a point where they agree to pay a reasonable premium, I feel we can be fair to both them and the Scott Twp. tax payers," Mr. Stracham said.
Mr. Mroczka said he would bring his experience as a Scott Twp. police Sgt. to the supervisor position, which would provide the township with additional leadership.
"In addition to looking at ways to save people money, I would make sure we have a strong and professional police department," Mr. Mroczka said.
Reflecting on the supervisors success in funding a "massive" road paving project without raising taxes, Mr. Makala said he plans to continue "making sound financial decisions to better the township."
"Throughout my term, I have proven that I am capable of making creative financial decisions, which allows us to make improvements within the township without raising the tax rate," Mr. Makala said.
His fellow Republican, Mr. Smith, said his main goal would be to lower the township's tax rate by cutting expenses. The township's millage rate is 14. A mill is a $1 tax on every $1,000 of a property's assessed value.
"I want to make this an affordable place again, because I want our children and grandchildren to be able to stay here," Mr. Smith said.
Contact the writer: miorfino@timesshamrock.com, @miorfinoTT on TwitterDemocrats
Stanley E. Stracham
Age: 70
Family: Wife, Ann, children Stanley and Suzette Grzywacz
Education: Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School. Air Force Technical Schools
Employment: Operating Engineers Local 542
Experience: Currently serving on Scott Twp. Sewer Authority; 12 years as Scott Twp. Supervisor; four years as Vacancy Board Chairman; three years on Zoning and Hearing Board
Top issue: Roads, finances and health insurance
1). I have a great deal of experience in all aspects of being a supervisor. My previous employment as an operating engineer provides me the background needed to make improvements and upkeep to our roads. I plan to trim our expenses in hopes of improving our current financial status.
2). I understand health care coverage is important to all employees. I also believe that employees should pay a reasonable share of those costs. By negotiating with employees to pay a reasonable premium I feel we can be fair to both them and the taxpayers of Scott Twp.
Bob Noldy
Age: 58
Family: Wife, Debora; children, Jake and Leah
Education: Lakeland Junior/Senior High School graduate. Earned electric and welding certificates from Scranton Technical School
Employment: Corrections officer at Lackawanna County Prison
Experience: Volunteer at Susquehanna County 4-H club
Top issue: Sewer System and Costs
Bob "Rocko" Mroczka
Age: 55
Family: Daughter, Gina
Education: Lakeland Junior/Senior High School graduate
Employment: Retired Scott Twp. police sergeant.; operations manager at Sugerman's Department Store
Experience: Member of the Fraternal Order of Police Pennsylvania State Lodge 63
Top issue: Sewer Issue
Republicans
Dave Makala
Age: 44
Family: Wife, Judy; son, Charlie
Education: Lakeland Junior/Senior High School
Employment: Construction manager at Reilly Associates/Engineering, former fire chief for the Justus Volunteer Fire Company
Experience: Elected as township supervisor in 2007 (six-year term)
Top Issue: Keep finances sound
Thomas J. Smith
Age: 63
Family: Wife, Barbara; step daughters, Alicia and Alice
Education: Scott High School
Employment: Retired general manager at Redman Trucking Co.; terminal manager for Terry Dicks Trucking
Experience: No government experience listed
Top Issue: High taxes and fees