Lincoln Day dinner draws crowd

BY HELEN B. FOSTER
Correspondent

Newly elected Susquehanna County Republican Chairman Michael Redding was master of ceremonies for the annual Lincoln Day dinner at The View in Clifford on Feb. 23.
The event gave candidates and other elected officials a chance to address the party faithful. Petitions for those asking for an opportunity to be on the ballot in the upcoming primary election were available.
Candidate for Superior Court of Pennsylvania Vic Stabile, residing in the Mechanicsburg area, attended the dinner and pledged to treat everyone who comes before him fairly regardless of economic standing, religion or race.
As a lifelong Republican, he said he will support the U.S. Constitution and support Second Amendment rights and be a custodian of the public trust. He said he has more than 30 years of trial and appellate court experience along with numerous community service activities, including township supervisor.
Others addressing those attending were Sen. Lisa Baker, Reps. Sandra Major and Tina Pickett, District Judge Suzanne Brainard, Prothonotary Susan Eddleston, Sheriff Lance Benedict and State Committee Eric Matthews.
Sen. Baker congratulated Redding on being elected county chairman and recognized John Kameen for his years of service as chairman.
She said she had backed 25 pieces of legislation supporting servicemen and women. She spoke of the new state license plate that will support the Veterans Trust Fund and asked for continued support of our veterans.
Rep. Major spoke of the statewide offices that did not, for the first time, go Republican. The house and senate are working on the budget as the governor is presently his program, she said. Major thanked everyone for their support to return her to Harrisburg.
Rep. Pickett said every year is important as she urged everyone to get out the vote and be mindful of issues pertaining to boroughs, townships and all local concerns.
Brainard was the first countywide officer holder to ask for support to be reelected as she reviewed the work of her office.
Eddleston complimented Lincoln Day chairman Carolyn Paccio and Redding for a great Lincoln Day celebration. She reviewed the work of her office and also asked for support as she seeks re-election.
Sheriff Lance Benedict has held his office for eleven years and thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve. He also spoke of his staff’s dedication and the support of his wife and daughter as they are inconvenienced by the numerous late night calls as he made known his intention to seek re-election.
Others introduced by Redding were members of the county committee; “C”Club President Ray Smith; President of Republican Women Marion O’Malley, Young Republicans President Matt Fernley; Commissioner Alan Hall; District Attorney Jason Legg; Coroner Tony Conarton; and Register and Recorder Mary Evans.