Primary election 2023 voters guide: Candidates for supervisor, council races in Centre County
Bellefonte Borough Council-Ward 1 (4-year term)
Douglas A. Johnson
Party: Dem
Education: Bellefonte Area High School, U.S. Army Signal School, course work job related at Penn State University
Email: Djohnson@bellefontepa.gov
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. Downtown Bellefonte pedestrian safety by adding crossing signs with rapid flashing beacon at critical crosswalks within the borough. Along with safety, more due diligence regarding enforcement of sidewalk repairs.
2. Renovations to the recently purchased Armory building at the corner of North Spring Street and West Lamb Street. Funds for the purchase and renovation were generously provided by recently retired Sen. Jake Corman. The goal is to renovate the existing Bellefonte police space and move the borough staff to the Armory building. Armory renovations include installation of an elevator, fire protection and accessibility entrances to the building.
3. Installation of traffic signal at Parkview Boulevard and Route 550 East Bishop Street. This project now needs to be coordinated with the Bellefonte Area School District and the new owner of the former National Guard property. Council and borough staff will continue to work with all stakeholders, including PennDOT.
Bellefonte Borough Council-Ward 2
Randy Brachbill
Party: Rep
Email: rbrachbill@bellefontepa.gov
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. 2022 Bellefonte Borough Council collaborated on the development of an annual Goals Action Plan. Council members are able to add/remove goals at any time. Residents are welcome to submit goals they feel are important. Selected goals move to work sessions for discussion then to the next business meeting. The process is monitored. Goals not completed roll over to the following year.
2. 2022 Bellefonte Borough adopted Priority Based Budgeting using the General Budget. This process requires the Council’s review of the information provided by department heads.
3. 2022 Bellefonte Borough approved dropping committees in order to work as a whole council. This change has worked well for holding discussions of various items/issues.
My personal goal is to support our residents and the borough. I respectfully ask South Ward VOTERS to reelect me as your representative to the Bellefonte Borough Council, thank you.
Deborah Cleeton
Party: Dem
Education: Graduate of State College Area High School
Email: dcleeton@bellefontepa.gov
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) currently provides three unique yet integrated levels of service to/from Bellefonte. Continued access to these services is vital for our community as it is the most cost-effective means of transportation for access to work, school, medical facilities and food resources. Our residents need reliable access to the many services and retail locations located outside the borough. Funding for borough operations is always a challenge. After property taxes, the earned income tax provided by our working residents is a primary source of revenue. Bellefonte is a delightful community to live in. Whether a resident is a home owner or tenant, for our community to thrive we need to ensure that residential housing is available. One of my responsibilities as a council representative is to make informed recommendations to the borough. I will continue to make use of the multiple opportunities available to improve my knowledge of borough operations.
Bellefonte Borough Council-Ward 3
Christopher Morelli
Party: Rep
Facebook: Christopher Morelli for Bellefonte Borough Council
Email: Morelli4BoroughCouncil@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. I’ll serve ALL residents and ALL businesses by ensuring any matter that comes before the council fairly serves our entire community, by scrutinizing requests to ensure they benefit all and that the cost, if any, can be incurred without raising taxes. If a request doesn’t meet those requirements, I will vote NO.
2. I will support all initiatives that best serve the safety of our police and emergency responders and that allow them to efficiently and effectively perform their duties.
3. I will work to remove borough government overreach due diligence and actions for any and all unnecessary ordinances, or exclusionary programs, especially those that were create and implemented to only benefit specific individuals in our community. One such program is the free electric vehicle (EV) chargers that the borough (taxpayers) now pays the electric bill for. I will work to fix this elitist abomination day one.
Joanne Tosti-Vasey
Party: Dem
Education: B.S., clothing and textiles, Virginia Tech; M.S., family counseling, Virginia Tech; Ph.D., human development and family studies, PSU
Facebook: Joanne Tosti-Vasey, Bellefonte Borough Council
Twitter: @TostiVasey
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. I believe in transparency and open communication between the council and our community members. Ensuring our representatives honor this transparency and act on the community’s wishes while balancing all community concerns is critical for a vibrant and welcoming community. Community surveys, like Bellefonte’s current Sustainability Survey, are very helpful here.
2. We need people on the council who believe in equity for all and treat everyone with respect. My 30+ years as a community organizer and advocate for equity would help ensure that the council considers these issues when making decisions affecting the lives of our community members.
3. I want to continue representing the West Ward to address historic preservation and sustainability. Sustainability includes environmental sustainability; creating a vibrant economic community; improving the infrastructure for the well-being and safety of all; quality educational opportunities; gender and racial equity; and reducing poverty, hunger, etc.
State College Borough Council (2-year term)
Nalini Krishnankutty
Party: Dem
Education: Ph.D., chemical engineering, Penn State
Facebook: Nalini For Borough Council
Instagram: naliniforboroughcouncil
Email: votenalini@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: It has been an honor to serve our community as a council member for the past nine months. If elected, I will prioritize zoning revision to center sustainability and preserve our strong neighborhoods, while supporting affordable housing and a vibrant downtown that encourages community building, local businesses and diverse arts, events and initiatives. I will focus on equitable access to government and human services including mental health, language access and social justice initiatives. I will proactively support sustainable energy and transportation initiatives, reliable fire protection and EMS, and accessible libraries and parks. I will achieve my goals of the wellbeing of all residents and our environmental and financial security by leveraging unique town-gown partnerships and regional cooperation efforts. I will work to decrease barriers to civic engagement and leverage our collective energy and varied experiences, expertise and ideas to sustain a healthy and inclusive community.
State College Borough Council (4-year term)
Matt Herndon
Party: Dem
Education: B.S. Cornell University
Facebook: Matt Herndon for Borough Council
Email: matt4statecollege@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: My top three priorities are sustainability, affordability and inclusivity. I will work to create more affordable and sustainable housing by updating the borough’s antiquated, exclusionary zoning laws to legalize denser housing close to jobs, bike lanes and CATA transportation. That will also spur inclusion by allowing more people who want to live in the borough to realize that dream. Inclusion also means making our town safe for everyone. Last summer the father of a 3-year-old was killed here while riding his bike to work — we must not accept that. I will fight for raised crossings that slow car traffic, and separated bike paths which keep cyclists safe from cars and pedestrians safe from cyclists. I will use the power of Borough Council to make our town more affordable and help our neighbors be less dependent on cars, making State College more inclusive and a better place for everyone.
Kevin Kassab
Party: Dem
Education: Mercer County College and Temple University
Email: VoteKassab@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: If elected, I have my priorities; To ensure the quality of our neighborhoods as a safe and peaceful environment for long-term and student residents. To continue my support for affordable housing: not only to support the First-Time Home Buyer program, from which I personally benefited, but to find more ways to make the borough affordable for families and employees, and even students who are struggling financially. To continue to work with borough staff on enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging within the State College community. To diversify downtown businesses: The borough must resolve a way to retain diverse shops within our downtown, which all residents and visitors can enjoy, and to improve sustainability practices. My promise is: I have spent my career as a listener and problem solver, with a voice to serve in an advisory capacity to Borough Council and the borough manager, and that is the strength I will be bringing to this elected position.
Evan Myers
Party: Dem
Campaign website: statecollege.com/pages/politics/evan-myers/
Education: Penn State Class of 1971
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: #1 - Promote a strong and sustainable community by providing more affordable and inclusionary housing through incentives and creative zoning. Respect and enhance renter’s rights. Strengthen neighborhoods by increasing home ownership though support of the Community Land Trust and Homestead Investment program. Improve bicycle and pedestrian connections, protect and enhance neighborhood parks and shopping. Establish a functional relationship with Penn State. #2 – Treat all members of the community with equity and respect by encouraging diversity and inclusiveness. Protect minority and workers’ rights and engage students. #3 - Create a more vibrant downtown and gain more community input in planning and development by working to establish more affordable and inclusionary commercial space for local businesses. A complete and through review of zoning including building size and height. Improve communications with neighboring municipalities to discuss impacts of new development.
Josh Portney
Party: Dem
Campaign website: portneyforcouncil.com
Education: B.A. in political science, broadcast journalism; Pennsylvania State University, ‘22
Facebook: Josh Portney
Twitter: @jdp2008
Email: joshportney1@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: If elected, my first priority while on council is to pass a revised zoning code that protects our downtown while facilitating growth through controlled development for working families in the West End and in other parts of the borough. I also see transportation as a main issue that we need to tackle, as we ought to reshape our town to be more pedestrian and bicycle friendly, which would reduce the reliance on traditional car traffic. Finally, I will fight for a complete review of our budget so we can stabilize taxes and refocus our spending to match our priorities, like affordable housing, delivering quality municipal services and DEIB efforts.
Tony Sapia
Party: Dem
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. Housing with special emphasis on affordability and equity/sustainability.
--- work with Zoning and with the budgeted housing specialist to implement the Tenant Bill of Rights. Work with Code Enforcement to ensure safe housing for all residents. Incorporate better biking infrastructure with the addition of of more on-street bike lanes. Continue expansion of the Bicycle Ambassador’s Program education efforts. When we increase the bikeability and walkability of our neighborhoods, we make housing more sustainable.
2. Build transparency
--- create “open office hours” for residents to meet casually in person with council persons. Communicate by newsletter specific happenings in the borough and issues that directly impact our neighborhoods.
3. Increase local business
--- Coordinate the borough’s Masterplan with the Downtown Improvement District’s vision to make Calder Way the “Community Hall” that is inclusive and engages positive relationships in all of our neighborhoods.
Benner Township Board of Supervisors
Kathy Evey
Party: Rep
Did not respond
Thomas Moyer
Party: Rep
Did not respond
David Thomas Roberts
Party: Dem
Education: Bachelor of Science biology, Pennsylvania State University 1975 and graduate classes environmental biology, Hood College
Email: dtroberts52@icloud.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Benner Township residents need safe, clean drinking water.
Benner residents currently face existing and imminent health threats from water contaminated with per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS chemicals. I will work with local water authorities, state and federal agencies to procure grant money for the installation of public water supplies to all affected residents and businesses and the mitigation of PFAS in Benner’s aquifers through active participation in a regional water management plan to preserve water quality and quantity.
I will work to provide necessary and essential services to residents and businesses in a cost effective manner including roads, schools, water, sewer, stormwater management and other infrastructure by using science based best management practices.
I will assure transparency concerning actions of Benner Township through implementation of permanent recordings of township meetings and through more open channels of communication with all residents.
College Township Council
D. Richard Francke
Party: Rep
Education: Bachelor of Science, operations management with minor in business logistics, Pennsylvania State University
Email: rfrancke@collegetownship.org
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Transparent and accountable government, locally and regionally — seek to make information easily accessible while always being personally available to our residents; goal of positive experiences in all our interactions; encourage opportunities to participate in our processes; and ingrain being accountable for our actions, good or bad.
Effect and efficient delivery of services — maintain and improve, where possible, the township’s top-notch staff and their culture of providing great service; maximize the value formula to provide the most for our resident’s money and time; avoid complacency; and continually seek better ways, the job is never done.
Sustainable community and infrastructure — balance our many, sometimes opposing, human needs to the benefit of all, exclusion of none; manage our human, natural and financial capital to meet current needs and protect our resources for our future residents; and ensure a safe, healthy and affordable community via good planning and investment.
Tracey Mariner
Party: Dem
Email: traceymariner@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: If I am elected my top three priorities will be to first be open-minded about the systems set in place that allow us to make effective change. Secondly, I will grow in my knowledge, insight, understanding and respect for the process of getting the concerns of the community addressed. Lastly, I will give the time and energy needed to positively affect change.
I do not want to make the mistake of providing empty promises, believing I can come in and affect positive change without knowing the systems that are set in place already. I think far too often well-intentioned change agents take the approach of placing a demand for change without learning about the current systems, being a part of the process, and evaluating what is needed to truly develop a culture and mindset of change. I believe effective change can not be obtained without accountability, dedication, longevity and respect for what was, what is and what’s to come.
Susan Trainor
Party: Dem
Education: B.A. Wells College, ASN Tompkins Cortland Community College, MSN Bloomsburg University
Facebook: Susan Trainor
Email: suetrainor7@icloud.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: If elected to the College Township Council seat to which I am currently appointed, my top three priorities are supporting sustainable development, responsible stewardship of township resources and improving health equity for all.
Supporting sustainable development and responsibly stewarding finances, I’ll focus on developing policies and infrastructure projects aligned with the 7 milestones of planning outlined in our regional Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and the College Township Pedestrian Facilities Master Plan including working towards a more walkable township. I’ll develop smart budgets mindful of township’s long-term financial health, working collaboratively with council and township’s expert staff.
Leveraging three decades as a nurse and health care provider I’ll support work increasing access to affordable health care and housing. Preparing the township for development of a casino I’ll build partnerships and fund work improving access to mental health services for all.
Ferguson Township Supervisor-At Large
Omari Patterson
Party: Dem
Campaign website: omariforpa.com
Education: Bachelor’s - engineering, master’s - telecommunications systems management, master’s - real estate
Facebook: Omari Patterson for PA
Twitter: @OmariForPA
Email: friendsofomari@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: As a new board member, not only is one faced with ongoing projects and initiatives, but new problems and issues that impact our fellow township residents. From day one, I will bring my business experience, thorough research and planning skills, and ability to work collaboratively to find the best solutions.
I will proactively meet with and listen to my fellow township residents to process the most pressing issues affecting our community.
I believe we should have a fair tax structure
-- Keep taxes fair for all (e.g. homeowners and businesses)
-- Maintain an efficient budget with excellent services
-- Revisit the policy associated with the Stormwater Impact Fee
Let’s open Ferguson Township for more business!
-- Maintain the unique character of Ferguson Township
-- Find thoughtful ways to address density while preserving agriculture
-- Encourage workforce housing
We will mitigate risks associated with critical services
-- Help maintain services for all of Ferguson Township
Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors-Ward 1
Matthew Heller
Party: Dem
Education: MPS enterprise architecture, The Pennsylvania State University; B.S. Earth sciences, The Pennsylvania State University
Facebook: Heller For Ferguson
Email: HellerForFerguson@outlook.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Improved inclusivity: Ferguson Township has rolling farmlands, suburban residential areas and small villages with residents from various backgrounds and nationalities. With township staff, I will establish outreach programs and effective communication channels to build a stronger and more connected community that celebrates our unique differences. Responsible stewardship: As a community we can reduce our impacts on the land, air and water, in a fiscally responsible way. I am committed to being a responsible steward of our planet and finances and will seek environmentally friendly opportunities to improve our public infrastructure. Empowering entrepreneurs: Small businesses are the backbone of our community, providing jobs and economic opportunities. I will work with entrepreneurs, and local agencies, to promote the smart and sustainable growth of small businesses within our township, providing resources and support to help them thrive and create more opportunities for our community.
Kenneth Raney
Party: Rep
Education: Penn State University - B.S. in agricultural education
Facebook: Ken Raney
Email: kiraney@comcast.net
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. Ferguson Township has a history of being fiscally conservative in both spending and how our residents are taxed. In more recent times spending has increased more than what the tax base has grown. The current and upcoming operating budget and the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan needs reviewed with attention paid to spending given the current economic and inflationary conditions we are all experiencing.
2. Supervisors need to be sensitive to constituency issues while at the same time not propose regulations and ordinances, then go look for the problem or issue that pertain to the created ordinance.
3. Ferguson Township needs to continue to be a cooperative member of COG programs and services. As a township we need to encourage business development, both small and large. Our regulations and ordinances should not hinder business development, but should be encouraging and business friendly for entrepreneurial development.
Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors-Ward 2
Jeremie Thompson
Party: Dem
Campaign website: jeremiethompson.com
Education: Penn State - labor and employment relations
Facebook: Jeremie Thompson
Twitter: @JeremieFTWP
Email: info@jeremiethompson.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: I believe local government should be transparent, accessible and responsive. Residents should have a voice in the decision making, which is something I stood by during my time as Planning Commission chair. Our resident advisory committees are one of the many ways our residents can collaborate with elected officials, staff and each other. I support the preservation of our regional growth boundary and our agricultural farmlands. We should prioritize the strategic planning and long-term sustainability of our parks and recreational facilities. Fiscal management should promote efficiency in township operations and build value to our services. Through enhancement in our operations, we can provide better service to our residents while bringing valuable added time for the township to focus on other strategic initiatives. Investments that we make today whether in administration, services, infrastructure, planning and development, or other areas of the township will better us for the future.
Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors-Ward 3
Patricia Stephens
Party: Dem
Did not respond
Harris Township Board of Supervisors
Charles Bud Graham
Party: Rep
Did not respond
Tracey Moriarty
Party: Dem
Did not respond
Nigel Wilson
Party: Dem
Did not respond
Patton Township Board of Supervisors
Susan Chyczewski
Party: Dem
Education: Ph.D. agricultural and extension education from Penn State, B.S. animal science; B.S. agricultural education from University of Delaware
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: My first priority is sustainable economic development that works for both residents and businesses. As proposals come before the township, I will seek out information from experts and endeavor to find opposing points of view to inform decisions.
My second priority is to maintain fiscally responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars by considering the long-term consequences of township decisions focusing on both fiscally responsible and sustainable investments in our community.
Lastly, Patton Township is “A Place for All.” It’s important that these are not just words or a motto, but also are reflected in our budget, zoning, public safety and development decisions.
I have been impressed with the current board’s efforts on behalf or of the township and their willingness to go above and beyond to address concerns brought to them. I hope to continue that effort.
Betsy Whitman
Party: Dem
Education: B.A. Mary Washington College; master’s program, environmental sciences, University of Virginia
Email: bbwhitman@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: My priorities for Patton township are 1) health and safety, 2) diversity, equity and inclusion, and 3) fiscal responsibility. To these ends, I will pursue, promote and support: public parks, trails and open space; carbon reduction (eg., electrical vehicles and charging network, creative public transit, multi-use paths); road/trail upkeep and good design (eg; crosswalks, signs/signals; bike lanes; proactive resurfacing); regular communication and respectful and responsible interactions between the public, staff and elected officials (eg., DEI training and hiring practices; citizen input/outreach through public meetings, written and social media; periodic open houses with staff and elected officials); responsible development (eg., affordable and attainable housing; growth with public transit in mind); short-term and long-range planning for repair, replacement and purchase of facilities and equipment; and a thorough and transparent annual budget process.
Spring Township Board of Supervisors
Matthew Deibler
Party: Rep
Did not respond
Terry M. Perryman
Party: Dem
Did not respond
Walker Township Board of Supervisors
Zane Sherman
Party: Rep
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: As a lifelong member of Walker Township I have experienced firsthand the changes that have occurred within the township. If elected, I would listen to, as well as understand, the residents’ concerns as the township continues to face additional change that require supervisor action. I will support development of new, and maintenance of existing, ordinances to address those concerns. I would engage in discussions to ensure infrastructure service/product capacity aligns with proposed township residential and business growth. I will support our township employees and elected/appointed officials to maintain our township traditions. I would work with the Walker Township Fire Company to ensure fire/emergency services are funded at a level required to support our residents changing needs. I’d reach out, as needed, to other Centre Region officials to better understand the lessons they have learned as they apply to our township. I look forward to serving the residents of Walker Township.
