1. How can Schuylkill County stem the out-migration of its youth?

"The issue, not only in Schuylkill County but in the northeast as a whole. I believe we've faced that looked at it and hopefully, the initiative we started with Youth Summit has taken a big hold to engage our youth on what are the elements the county is missing and engage them in the process of helping us change those things and create more opportunities. The YES program, where we get young people in touch with manufacturers, and the YEA started by the Chamber of Commerce. Act 168 will get educators to take students out to businesses to learn about them. Naturally, jobs are an issue with our youth, and we are aggressively addressing that. We want to have our young people who are out of the county at college to be looking back and thinking 'I could do that in Schuylkill County.'"2. Many young people choose not to stay in the county because of its reputation for being unwelcome to diversity racial, sexual orientation, religious or gender. What are you doing, or would you do, to make the county more welcoming and appreciative of differences?"I think what we need to do is to bring everyone together. I used to see a sign that said "God doesn't make junk." Everybody is equal. Everybody is put on Earth for a purpose, and we need to learn to work with each other. This area has been a melting pot for many years. We have a Diversity Council here, and the Community Foundation does a summit on diversity. We all have the same issues, and we have the same dreams. Race, sex, orientation; it's in our Constitution that we are all equal."3. The county prison is aging and overcrowded, and court schedules are busier than ever. Would you be in favor of establishing a drug court in the county?"It's good to have a drug court set up, but if we don't have the treatment available I believe the problem will continue. Treatment must be part of the sentences. Inmates can get treatment in jail, but as soon as they leave and walk down those steps, it stops. It seems like a no-brainer to make sure treatment is available. The system has its flaws, and we need to address them."4. How, specifically, would you help people regain their trust in county government in the wake of recent allegations of financial malfeasance?"We've already addressed those in better financial controls. We have tighter financial controls in every office. We have more eyes looking at things. There are more checks and balances. We had a problem, we addressed it and we are moving forward."5. Why should people vote for you?"I have the ear to listen, the heart to care, and the willingness to get something done. When I ran four years ago for commissioner, and 10 years ago for mayor of Schuylkill Haven, I got involved in government because I didn't like the way things were going. I call myself a blue-collar businessman. I don't sit behind a desk. I get out there working with everyone. I believe small business runs this country, but sometimes those are the ones that get put aside. I'm a firm believer in an informed public. Good or bad, you've got to be upfront. I've been very open, when a call comes through, I don't hand it off. If I can't fix it, I'll help you find someone who can help. I'm hard working, I care, and I was raised to give back. As commissioners, we need to deliver services. We need to make sure our seniors are taken care of, our children watched over, and our people are safe."