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LOCK HAVEN -- Michele Whitney is looking to score a spot on the November ballot for Clinton County Commissioner during the Primary on May 16.
Whitney is a 1986 graduate of Lock Haven High School and spent a decade in law enforcement and 16 years as an Air Force military spouse.
She holds a 25-year extensive background in technology and leadership, including working for Microsoft as a Technical Support Engineer and Team Manager. In addition to her IT industry-level certifications, Whitney has offered her IT and small business consultant competencies with volunteer organizations and small businesses.
Over the years, Whitney has been involved in various public service initiatives, more recently founding the Patriots of Clinton County, an organization that looks to recruit and assist Republican candidates for public office.
The Express recently asked Whitney six questions regarding herself and issues the county is facing. These were her responses:
Q: Why have you chosen to run for a seat on the board of commissioners?
Whitney: I never planned on going into politics, but after decades of the same representation, we have to ask who do our government officials really work for? Clinton County's citizens receive little in return for their taxpayer dollars while our government grows bigger and bigger. Meanwhile, our county population continues to decline. It's time to dump the status quo, install transparency and accountability in our county government and make "we the people" the priority.
Q: Our rural county is facing significant challenges: Population decline, reduction of services, worker shortages. How would you try to tackle each of these issues as a commissioner?
Whitney: According to the Clinton County Comprehensive Plan, half of our employed county citizens work outside of the county, predominantly in Bellefonte, State College and Williamsport. It's likely they are spending much of their pay on traveling, dining and shopping outside of our county. Our county's economic health will improve if more of our residents work closer to home. In order to correct this, we need industry and services in our communities. I will work hard to market Clinton County to new industries, small businesses and services. We need to employ good outreach in order to be successful. The days of printing pamphlets and placing them in restaurants are past us. We live in a digital age and need to utilize technology to be successful.
Commissioners need to actively engage with the citizens in their communities in order to better understand their wants and needs to reverse the downward trend and effectively serve the public. I plan to host consistent town halls and encourage public involvement in government.
Q: The county also is losing life-saving emergency medical services due to a lack of qualified EMTs, along with some financial strain among ambulance and EMS services. What ideas do you have to alleviate this critical issue?
Whitney: I believe we need to better incentivize our local emergency responders, whether they are EMTs or volunteer firefighters. Centre and Lycoming counties have awarded millions of Act-13 funds to their fire and EMS services. However, here in Clinton County, not one penny of its Act-13 funds have been given to local fire and EMS. I propose creating a county-wide program using Act-13 funds to reimburse costs to become a certified EMT. I also propose creating county-wide tax credits for our local emergency responders, giving something back to them as they give to their communities. Lastly, I support the creation of the Keystone Central School District's proposed Homeland Security Program to entice our youth to become involved in their communities and boost our current fire and EMS services.
Q: Will you support continued development of recreation trails, including the Bald Eagle Valley Trail, if elected?
Whitney: The cost of the rails to trails project to date is at least $5 million of taxpayer money, which includes local taxpayer monies required to match grants and maintain the trails. I will support maintaining the current trails but cannot support further development without proof that existing trails are increasing tourism and revenue to offset the costs to taxpayers.
Q: What qualities do you possess that you believe make you the most qualified for the position?
Whitney: As a servant leader for decades, my ability to coordinate groups of individuals making a team stronger would benefit the county greatly. I will act with integrity and courage, setting an example for others to follow. I will be a role model for those around me and inspire them to reach their full potential. I will encourage open dialog and collaboration in order to succeed. I will be an active listener and advocate for those who may not be willing or able to stand up for themselves. And finally, I will be an American patriot serving her country, county and community as our Founding Fathers intended.
Q: Why should voters consider you when they visit the polls on May 16?
Whitney: I have never been a politician or held an elected position. I have no conflicts of interest. I will work hard to bring change to Clinton County that will benefit all and not just the members of the "good ol' boys" network that has been firmly in place for decades. I will demand transparency and accountability in our government. It's time for change and it's time your government worked for you.