Tami Brannan

Lock Haven

As a current member of city council, I care deeply about the integrity and trust our residents and taxpayers put into our council and city staff. I am writing today because I am concerned about one of the candidates running for city council in our upcoming election, Micah Clausen.

Mr. Clausen is a business man who has long lived near Lock Haven, but just purchased a home in the city limits in February 2024 — a property currently listed on multiple commercial real estate sites. According to voter records, he registered to vote at that address in September 2024, just weeks before the deadline to qualify for candidacy in 2025.

This relocation and the timing raise some questions about intent. Especially when viewed alongside his business dealings within city limits.

In 2021, Mr. Clausen and business partner Bobby Maguire purchased Dickey Elementary for $80,000. Since then they have discussed donating the property to local nonprofits with many pieces of press coverage, but none ever took ownership. Later, they worked with Quandel Group on a proposed senior housing project at the Dickey location. This deal depended on city zoning variances that were not granted. (Express articles from April 8, 2023 and Dec. 14, 2024)

At the same time, Mr. Clausen and his associates purchased the former East Main Street UMC, another property tied to unsuccessful rezoning attempts.

Together, these transactions create the appearance of a coordinated effort to influence city planning for private benefit. (Express Articles from Oct. 7, 2021 and Jan. 19, 2022)

Finally, Mr. Clausen’s own campaign financial disclosure forms show multiple loans from Stephen Poorman, each over $6,000, the threshold for mandatory reporting. While the total amount owed is unclear, the existence of these loans raises concerns about financial influence over potential council decisions.

Lock Haven deserves council members who are working for our community and free from financial entanglements that could shape their votes.

Before casting your ballot, I urge residents to look carefully at each candidate’s track record and motivations. Transparency and integrity should always come first.

Tami Brannan currently serves on Lock Haven City Council.