Local news

Clinton County Republican Party hosts picnic

LOCK HAVEN -- Though the weather wasn't the best, many came out to meet the candidates at the Republican Party of Clinton County's picnic.

The event, hosted at Riverview Park in Woodward Township, began with an informal meet and greet where attendees could mingle with the candidates.

Multiple candidates and their families were in attendance that afternoon, including:

-- Judge Michael Salisbury, Clinton County Court of Common Pleas (Up for Retention Vote)

-- Jeff Snyder, Clinton County Commissioner, seeking re-election

-- Jim Russo, seeking Clinton County Commissioner seat

-- Cindy Love, Clinton County Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts, running unopposed for re-election

-- Jacqui Anastos, Clinton County Auditor Candidate

-- Heidi Wright, a nominee for Magisterial District Judge in Clinton County Magisterial District 25-3-02

-- State Senator Cris Dush, R-25

-- State Representative Stephanie Borowicz, R-76

-- William "Bill" Baldino, a candidate for the Keystone Central School Board, Region 6

-- Chris Scaff, a candidate for the Keystone Central School Board, Region 1

-- Shawn Adrian, Bald Eagle Township Supervisor

All candidates were encouraged to speak to the crowd, talk about what they've been working on, why they should be elected or just introduce themselves to the new faces. The speeches were given not in any particular order, but they began with Dush.

During Dush's introductory speech, he informed the audience that they are planning to move the primary date to the end of March or beginning of April.

"We're trying to get it away from Easter and Passover. We have both the Jewish and Christian holidays to consider. We're trying to move them up so they don't impact that. Having it move up that early, Pennsylvania is going to be much more relevant on the national stage. There is going to be a lot more attention paid to what's going on in the Commonwealth," said Dush.

Following Dush's speech, Snyder spoke about his time as a county commissioner and the ATV connector trail he's pushed for.

In 2022, the Central Mountain ATV Association was awarded a $1,223,900 grant from DCNR to construct a trail that would connect Brewery Hollow outside of Renovo to the Stoney Run Trail.

The estimated cost to construct the planned connector exceeded the grant funding, and those involved in the project chose to meet with PennDOT officials to see if Route 120 could be opened up for ATV use.

The section of Route 120 that will be open to ATV traffic, until Sept. 24, runs from North Bend at Summerson Mountain Road, through Renovo to Drury Run, where the Stoney Run Pilot trail begins.

Next, Russo spoke briefly about his hopes to be a county commissioner.

"I look forward to working with Jeff and Angela... I'm going to try to do the best I can do, give 150%. It's going to be a learning curve. The world I come from and the world of politics is two different worlds. I'm really going to have to take a bite out of life and follow the lead of these leaders," said Russo.

Wright, a nominee for Magisterial District Judge, talked to the crowd about her time in Harrisburg this June.

"I spent time at the Pennsylvania Judicial Center getting certified. I hope the fall goes well, I worked really hard in the spring. I secured the Republican nominee by a large amount and I lost the Democratic ticket by one vote. I plan to continue to go out this fall and work hard. I'm ready to go on day one," said Wright.

State Representative Stephanie Borowicz closed out the speeches, offering words of support for the candidates running in this year's election.

"It's a scary time in America, but it's also encouraging because we see the tide changing from the bottom up, with these guys running for school board, people running for township supervisor... I endorsed two in Jersey Shore that are running for school board. One guy came to me and said, 'Steph I'm not necessarily this great Christian I'm just a redneck' and I said perfect, that's exactly what we need. You've got good common sense, you went to the school of hard knocks. That's what we need. Don't despise small beginnings. We didn't get here overnight, and we're not going to change it overnight," said Borowicz.

Clinton County Republican Party Chairman Kurt Smith spoke briefly before the live auction to thank Events Coordinator Marty Hufnagle for her hard work gathering items for the event.

Once all of the candidates spoke, the live auction began. There were a variety of items up for auction, from gift cards to plants and outdoor decorations.

The speeches and auction were followed immediately by dinner being served, with options to fit everyone's tastes. There were hotdogs, hamburgers, pizza, fruits, veggies, meat trays, baked goods -- you name it, they had it!

Candidates who were unable to attend the picnic included:

-- Clinton County Register and Recorder Jennifer Hoy, seeking re-election

-- Cathy Gedon, seeking election as Clinton County Auditor

-- Jeff Brinker, running for re-election to Lock Haven City Council

-- District Magistrate Keith Kibler, seeking re-election for Magisterial District 25-03-01