The two majority Schuylkill County Commissioners, Mantura Gallagher, chairperson, and Francis McAndrew, held a press conference after today's work session at the courthouse in Pottsville announcing they will not seek re-election next year for another four-year term as county commissioners. Their term ends Dec. 31, 2011.

They have 15 months remaining on their current term. Gallagher has served seven years in the commissioners' office. She was first elected as a minority commissioner and three years ago she teamed with McAndrews to become the majority commissioners. Both are Democrats.McAndrew is finishing his one term as commissioner. He had been the county sheriff for 14 years. Both stated, "We are hoping that by making our announcement in such a timely manner, we will allow enough time for all interested and capable candidates to come forward to make their candidacy known."Minority Commissioner Frank Staudenmeier, Republican, who was the chairman of the board before losing out to the two Democrats, plans to run again.Gallagher commented, "It has been a privilege to serve the good people of Schuylkill County. I began making my contribution by learning the inner-workings of county government, department by department, by becoming an active part of advisory boards and by working closely with department heads. I have enjoyed every day that I worked in the courthouse and I look forward to my continued work during this year."McAndrew added, "Each of the two offices I have served presented different challenges but it was those challenges that made every day different from the day before. I came to the commissioners' office having a relatively good idea what the larger issues would be, however, it was not until I was officially sworn in that I understood the tremendous responsibility that accompanies the office. Overseeing the many departments with hundreds of employees is almost like being responsible for several different businesses and it is the responsibility of the commissioners to keep a finger on the pulse of each of those departments."In a joint statement they announced, "Both of us enjoy what we do in the commissioners' office but we have not yet completed our work. Our day-to-day goal was and continues to be keep property taxes manageable for our citizens, and for that reason, we have implemented the practice within county government to keep spending down, to take as many properties as possible to judicial sale to put them back on the active tax rolls and reduce the workforce by attrition."We entered this term of office with a very long 'do list' which we have almost completed, but we're not quite finished yet. In addition to the day-to-day items that we continue to handle, there are still a few larger issues that we intend to bring to fruition within the next year."Review accomplishmentsBoth took turns reviewing their accomplishments in their brief stint as majority commissioners.McAndrew noted, "In April of 2008, the board of commissioners completed the sale of the 1912 building to Penn State University Schuylkill Campus Advisory Board. The former county almshouse, which housed mentally ill patients, was unable to be used by the county without significant and extremely expensive renovations."Gallagher followed, "In May 2009, we presented a petition to the court to request redistricting polling places and it was reduced from 167 to 125 precincts this year, a savings of $79,750 per election, which represents a $159,500 minimal annual savings. We were also able on election night to deliver the results much earlier."McAndrew spoke briefly about the problem with a computer company. He said, "After dealing with a computer system that never provided services to the county we finally reached a financial resolution that satisfied the county's demands and resolved the issues that challenged the staff."Gallagher spoke about refinancing bonds."In March 2008," she said, "the board of commissioners refinanced bond issues from previous years, consolidating all outstanding bonds and a note, totaling $17 million and moving from, in at least one instance, a weekly variable rate to a fixed rate of $3.44 percent, thereby saving the county the net total of $439,000. The driving force to convert to a single bond issue was the 2000 bond whose rate changed every Wednesday and the most recent reset before the consolidation had been seven percent."McAndrew spoke on the energy savings plan."In September 2008," he said, "the board of commissioners implemented the PPL Energy Savings Plan, which replaced outdated boilers, lighting and other energy-saving equipment, and which provided an all new dual flex heating system, utilizing both coal and gas and guaranteeing a savings of $1 million over the next 15 years and installing updated energy saving equipment in the courthouse, Rest Haven Home and county prison. During the first year of operation, McClure Company guaranteed electric savings in the amount of 423,979 kilowatt hours for all three facilities with the actual saving realized as 746,529 kwh. This represents a 76 percent savings over the guarantee which translates into a cost savings of $59,076 when the guaranteed savings were projected at $34,172".Gallagher discussed the lighting upgrade."In June 2010," she said, "the county continued with an additional lighting upgrade project to upgrade the existing lighting systems at the Human Service Building, 9-1-1 Emergency Management Building and the Adult Probation Building, all located in Pottsville. The annual estimated electric savings is $14,848 with additional savings of a potential $15,000 as the county is eligible for PPL&L rebate".About staff reductions, McAndrew commented, "As a result of careful scrutiny of each retirement and resignation, the board of commissioners authorized a reduction in staff by the consolidation and elimination of 15 positions during 2009 and 2010. These actions resulted in savings of $423,987.60 in salaries and another $165,086.47 in benefits annually."About insurance premiums, Gallagher said, "As a result of the risk manager/human resources director's position, during 2009-2010 policy period, Schuylkill County realized and will continue to realize an annual savings of $296,874 in reduced insurance premiums, reduction in workers' compensation claims, reduction in administration fees, and a change in vendor for life insurance, by merely integrating the risk manager and the two positions."Addressing new management for the bus line, McAndrew said, "Since 1981 the county contracted with ReDCo to manage the Schuylkill Transportation System for annual expenses of $338,485. In 2010, we created the Schuylkill Transportation Authority to oversee and manage STS which will realize in savings but continue a low fare for our citizens."Restructuring officesMcAndrew added, "We very carefully studied and reviewed various offices within the county and ultimately restructured several offices as a cost savings. The Tax Claim Office and Public Defender's Office are examples which provided savings of $29,000."Gallagher said the Tax And Revenue Anticipation Note in 2010 was eliminated saving $22,500. McAndrew referred the county is ready to seek bids for the long awaited prerelease center which will relieve the overcrowding in the county prison. Gallagher spoke of the plans to celebrate the county's 200th birthday. She said it will be a year long celebration in 2011.In closing Gallagher said, "I would not trade the seven years for anything. I feel that I have been blessed to have been afforded a second chapter in my life." She had been a school teacher."I want the people of Schuylkill County to know that although I will not be running for re-election, I will be forever at the ready to do whatever I am called upon to do to serve the good people of Schuylkill County. I am grateful to the citizens of Schuylkill County for having placed their trust in me during these last two years," she added.McAndrews' final remarks were, "Schuylkill County has always been and will always be my first love. The people of Schuylkill County entrusted me with a responsibility for which I will be eternally grateful and I will always be proud to call Schuylkill County my home. It has been my honor and privilege to serve the wonderful people of Schuylkill County."