Q&A with Republican candidates for Franklin County commissioner

Four Republican candidates are running for Franklin County commissioner in the primary election on May 16.

Two are incumbents. Dave Keller is seeking a fourth term, and John Flannery hopes to serve a second — and he says final — term. Two are seeking public office for the first time. Lori Rice is a small-business owner and led a successful grassroots movement, and Dean Horst is a former Marine who now owns a garage door company.

The two Republicans and two Democrats who receive the most votes in the primary election will move onto the general election in November. Two candidates, Cameron Schroy and incumbent Bob Ziobrowski, are the only Democratic candidates.

We asked the GOP candidates to respond via email to a few questions about their background and the work they want to do if elected county commissioner. Below are their answers, listed in the order the candidates will appear on the ballot, and edited for length and clarity.

David Keller, 53, Borough of Chambersburg

Tell voters about who you are and why you are running for county commissioner.

I have lived most of my life in Franklin County. My wife Rebecca and I live in Chambersburg with our three daughters, Audrey, Olivia and Sophie. I have served as commissioner since 2008 and as board chairman since January 2010.

Among my duties as commissioner, I serve on over a dozen boards and committees addressing issues related to criminal justice, fiscal management, economic development, human services, and libraries.

In addition to serving as county commissioner, I was elected to serve on Republican State Committee 2008-2018.

Prior to being elected county commissioner, I worked as a computer network consultant for 14 years. I also served in the U.S Navy Reserve as an intelligence specialist from 2001 to 2007.

I continue to be active in the community, serving on numerous nonprofit boards and volunteering as a YMCA swim official. My family and I attend First United Methodist Church in Chambersburg.

I am a graduate of Chambersburg Area Senior High School. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from Franklin & Marshall College and a law degree from Widener University School of Law.

I’m running for re-election because I like helping people, solving problems, and helping make good things happen across the county, so that Franklin County remains the kind of place my daughters will want to raise their families in some day.

What are the top two issues Franklin County is facing and, if elected, what would you do to address them?

I’m concerned about the future of fire and emergency medical services in Franklin County. The county recently awarded $2 million in grants to 19 fire and EMS companies countywide for radios, fire trucks and ambulances, but there are still other unmet needs. I believe the commissioners should partner with local municipalities on a plan that prioritizes funding for fire and EMS without a tax increase.

I’m also concerned about farmland preservation. During my time as commissioner, the county has preserved over 6,500 acres of farmland. This year alone, we’re preserving another 1,000 acres, and we’ve set aside the funds to preserve another 1,000 acres next year. Still, there are over 100 farms waiting to be preserved. I believe the county should shift more funding to farmland preservation without a tax increase.

If you could increase or decrease funding for any program, department or cause the county is financially responsible for, what would it be and why?

I would increase funding for the Save A Vet, Save A Pet program. This is a program we created to pair veterans with service dogs to help veterans with physical limitations or PTSD.  As a veteran myself, I can think of no greater service we provide than helping veterans in this way.

Why are you the best candidate for county commissioner?

The voters can have confidence knowing what I’m going to do if re-elected by looking at what the county has accomplished under my leadership as commissioner and chairman of the board:

• Completed the new courthouse on time and on budget

• Decreased the size of government by reducing staffing from 925 to 700

• Awarded $7 million in grants to local businesses and nonprofits to help them survive the pandemic

• Preserved over 6,500 acres of farmland and 1,100 acres of forest

• Provided critical legal support to stop the Transource power line project

• Invested taxpayers’ money wisely to fully fund employee pensions and retiree health care and reduce the budget impact of these benefits by $3.5 million annually

• Reduced annual employee health care cost increase to 0%

• Implemented a plan to replace five county-owned bridges over the next six years without the need for a tax increase or vehicle registration fee

• Awarded $10 million in grants to local first responders, non-profits, municipalities and water/sewer authorities to support vital public safety and community development projects coming out of the pandemic

• Implemented 12 substance abuse treatment and prevention best practices to combat the opioid crisis and prevent opioid overdose deaths

• Expanded and improved public transportation while eliminating the need to subsidize it with local tax dollars

• Expanded and improved drug, alcohol, and mental health prevention and treatment while also reducing the average cost of treatment per patient

• Awarded over $1.5 million in grants to local nonprofits and municipalities for historic preservation and bike/pedestrian trail projects countywide

• Completed $5 million upgrade to 911 system, helping first responders and improving public safety, without a tax increase

• Supported criminal justice improvements that have reduced crime and put heroin and fentanyl dealers behind bars

• No county property tax increase for seventh year in a row

Who else is running? Here are the candidates running for local offices in Franklin County's 2023 primary

Dean Horst, 51, Greene Township

Tell voters about who you are and why you are running for county commissioner.

I'm a lifelong resident of Franklin County and graduated from Shalom Christian Academy in 1989. After graduation, I enlisted in the Marines and deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Desert Storm. After, I worked my way up at a small family-owned business and eventually took over ownership of Interstate Garage Doors in 2012. I'm proud that our small business has since become the lead garage door company in the region. I am happily married to my wife, Loretta, for 30 years and we have two children. I'm a proud Christian and follower of Christ.

Like so many others, our family was impacted by the loss of our freedoms during the COVID shutdowns. Our leaders failed us. Franklin County needs new bold conservative leadership to preserve our way of life. I want my children and future generations to be able to live in a county where conservative values and principles are commonplace.

What are the top two issues Franklin County is facing and, if elected, what would you do to address them?

Our volunteer fire and EMS departments put their lives on the line to keep us safe. Sadly, adequate staffing levels for fire and EMS are not where they need to be. To address this issue, I will support creating a tax credit and other county incentives for these volunteers and new recruits who sacrifice countless hours to ensure public safety.

Another big issue is overdevelopment. As county commissioner, I plan to work with townships and municipalities to encourage responsible zoning that doesn't burden residents with excessive traffic and other inconveniences. Beautiful open land is part of the charm of Franklin County that we must pass down to future generations.

As county commissioner, one of my top priorities will be to work with state and federal leaders to secure more funding to preserve our prime farmlands. We need to work to keep farms in the hands of farmers. That will prevent overdevelopment of our lands and ensure that Franklin County remains an agricultural powerhouse.

If you could increase or decrease funding for any program, department or cause the county is financially responsible for, what would it be and why?

I will support an increase in funding for farmland preservation. We need to ensure that we preserve what made us who we are today. By preserving farmland and supporting the agriculture community, we will be able to give to future generations the gift our forefathers gave us: the gift of open spaces, a community that helps one another, and a community that understands the value of conservative principles.

Why are you the best candidate for county commissioner?

I am not a politician. I served my nation as a Marine and went on to build a successful small business. I believe that leadership is about serving people and not themselves. My goal is to serve the residents of Franklin County with excellence and deliver results.

During COVID, some of our current county leaders failed us by not doing everything they could to keep our businesses and schools open. It's time for bold new leadership. That's why champions of freedom like state Sen. Doug Mastriano and state Rep. Rob Kauffman have endorsed my campaign.

I believe that Franklin County deserves a leader who believes in the conservative way of life and a leader that works for the people, not Harrisburg or D.C. I will be that leader for Franklin County.

Development in Franklin County: Pressure building as I-81 continues driving development in Franklin County

Lori Rice, 46, Guilford Township

Tell voters about who you are and why you are running for county commissioner.

I am a native of our county and was born during our nation’s bicentennial year, 1976. My husband, Allen, and I have been married for 27 years and we have five children. We are generational farmers. I'm also the owner/operator of a small business where I have served our community for over 24 years.

I became a candidate for commissioner because I believe the best place to invest my time and talents is in serving others. Local elected positions provide a voice for those who live in our community which should be the basis for fundamental operation. A position in local government will allow me to directly hear the concerns and interests of the people I am serving while providing the opportunity to contribute to the integrity of our community on their behalf.

What are the top two issues Franklin County is facing and, if elected, what would you do to address them?

Our county is experiencing inflation at a record pace and measure. I want to ensure that the aging members of our community, who are still living at home and on a fixed income, are receiving the support and attention they need to maintain their overall wellness and connectivity. In addition to inflation, we are in the aftermath of a devastating health crisis which has greatly impacted many aspects of our community. I want to fully evaluate the Franklin County Comprehensive Plan to ensure that these issues have been prioritized and that the current goals are relevant and pertinent, including housing and infrastructure.

If you could increase or decrease funding for any program, department or cause the county is financially responsible for, what would it be and why?

I recognize that Franklin County tax dollars support many programs, agencies, and causes. I am committed to investing the necessary time and effort to evaluate the appropriation of these funds based on the measurable need and purpose of each and to make changes as needed. As a steward of our county’s resources, I will manage the spending of tax dollars efficiently, effectively, and openly.

Why are you the best candidate for county commissioner?

I am the best candidate for the elected position of Franklin County Commissioner for many reasons. I care deeply about our community. As previously mentioned, both my husband and I are generational farmers, so the preservation of agriculture is crucial to the integrity of our county, and I will work hard for that cause. I have the proven ability to bring our community together and to accomplish great things. As the founder and president of a grassroots movement, we prevented an invasive and destructive mega powerline from entering Franklin County and beyond. I am a strong leader and have the heart and soul of a servant. I believe the good of our community should always be the driving force in decision-making. I will bring a fresh perspective and vision to this office while upholding constitutional values and promoting stability. I believe in bringing human and financial resources together to find realistic and beneficial solutions through collaboration, truth, and common sense.

John Flannery, 53, Guilford Township

Tell voters about who you are and why you are running for county commissioner.

Hopefully, from the past four years serving as county commissioner, the voters know who I am and my record of service to them. I am a business owner in Franklin County that decided it was my time four years ago to serve our community. I committed to serve no more than two terms as commissioner, therefore, if I am fortunate enough to be re-elected, this will be my final term. As for who I am, I have fought and will continue to fight any form of government overreach. I am fiscally conservative and responsible as we have had no county tax increases during my service. I believe in protecting our values and traditions here in Franklin County. Just this year, I supported our largest contribution to our farmland preservation program since I have been in office.

What are the top two issues Franklin County is facing and, if elected, what would you do to address them?

Zoning — Many residents are upset with the development of warehouses and solar fields in Franklin County. It is important that everyone understands that (it is) your elected municipal leaders, not the commissioners, that regulate zoning. As your commissioner, I have encouraged your municipal leaders to attend county summits that we organize to get information and education from professionals and leaders in the fields of development, solar, and zoning. I look forward to our next county-provided summit in September.

Government overreach — As I did four years ago, I will fight state and federal directives that try to indoctrinate our children and our communities with their liberal agenda. There is a big push from the current federal and state administration to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) quietly into our lives without many knowing or realizing it. We need leaders that understand what is happening and can address it before it is too late.

If you could increase or decrease funding for any program, department or cause the county is financially responsible for, what would it be and why?

Farmland preservation — This program preserves our beautiful landscape. I supported the contribution of over $750,000 just this year alone to the program. With the addition of state matching, we generated over $2 million. Without raising taxes, it is very difficult to do much more annually; however, we need to stay committed to the program.

Why are you the best candidate for county commissioner?

I made promises four years ago, and unlike many “politicians,” I have kept all of them. This is not my career, but the right thing to do. If re-elected, I will continue to maintain my commitment and promises to represent the citizens of Franklin County before returning back to my life’s work.

This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: Q&A with Republican candidates for Franklin County commissioner