Three seek nod in 111th

BY STACI WILSON

While much of the country is focused on the presidential race, voters in a large portion of Susquehanna County will take to the polls next week in support of a state rep for the 111th district.

Rep. Sandra Major announced earlier this year that she will not be seeking re-election to the seat she’s held for 22 years.

Three candidates – two from Wayne County and one from Susquehanna County – are running on the Republican ballot in the Tuesday, April 26 primary to fill that seat.

In the running is Jerry Birmelin, who served in the State House of Representatives for 22 years beginning in 1984; Jonathan Fritz, a Wayne County Commissioner; and Alan Hall, a Susquehanna County Commissioner.

In appearances at events in Wayne and Susquehanna counties over the past few weeks, the candidates introduced themselves to voters.

All three appeared at the Susquehanna County Farm Bureau Spring Meeting on Saturday, April 16.

Birmelin told the Farm Bureau crowd that although he felt much was accomplished during his time in the House, “There’s a lot more to do,” he said.

Birmelin called for the elimination of school property taxes. “We need to find another way to do it,” he said.

Fritz told the crowd that he was drawn into the political arena after being denied a permit by a planning commission. He then was

appointed to serve on that planning commission, then served as a mayor before becoming a county commissioner.

Fritz said he was pro-business and growth and would look to preserve the way of life in the rural district.

Hall spoke about his background in business and industry, as well as his service on the Blue Ridge School Board and as county commissioner.

Hall pointed out issues that needed to be addressed at the state level, including drug abuse, education, the state deficit, and education.

Rep. Tina Pickett (R-110th) also appears on the ballot for re-election to her seat.

Pickett is also looking to be elected as a delegate to the Republican National Convention.

The Primary Election will be held Tuesday, April 26. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.