Incumbent Schuylkill County Register of Wills/Clerk of Orphans Court Theresa Santai-Gaffney, who made national news when she challenged a Pennsylvania judge's ruling granting same-sex couples the right to marry, faces competition in Tuesday's election.

Gaffney of Friedensburg, a Republican, seeks a second term in office. She's being challenged by Democrat Frank DiMarco of Walker Township, a political newcomer, and Independent candidate Jerry Labooty of Branch Township, a Pottsville restaurateur.FRANK DIMARCOParty: DemocratAge: 44Education: Tamaqua Area High School graduate 1990; Reading Police Academy graduate 1997.Profession/trade: Currently works full time in Saint Clair police as a law enforcement officer and owns an automotive body repair shop in New Philadelphia.Affiliations: Member Fraternal Order of Police; Saint Peter and Paul church, Tamaqua; member of the Walker Township New England Fire Company; member of the National Rifle Association; member of the East Norwegian Township Fire Company.Q: What would you bring to the office?To be an elected public servant and serve the people of Schuylkill county in a fair and unbiased capacity.Q: What changes would you make to the office if elected?I would open the office on weekends for people that can't get there during the week because of their work schedules, and extend hours as needed into the evening on appointment basis. I would expand the search capabilities for the public and for attorneys seeking information on wills and estates at no further cost to the taxpayer. I would examine cost cutting factors that would ultimate benefit the taxpayers and give discounts for services to all veterans and active duty military personnel.JERRY LABOOTYParty: IndependentAge: 51Education: Graduated from Nativity BVM and from Penn State University.Profession/trade: Owner and executive chef of The Greystone Restaurant in Pottsville for the last 13 years.Affiliations: Pottsville Business Association, Pottsville Parking Authority, Avenues Foundation Board, Sexual Assault Resource Counseling Center Board in Schuylkill and Lebanon counties, advisory member of the Hillside SPCA, committee member of the Greater Pottsville Cruise Committee, Pottsville Lions Club, board member of the Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce.Q: What would you bring to the office?I believe my business experience, integrity and professionalism coupled with the ability to balance the budget are qualifiers for this position.Q: What changes would you make to the office if elected?I will work with the commissioners to not only modernize the office but also expand office hours to include evenings and possibly even weekends to accommodate our constituents time-starved schedules. I will be available on a full-time basis which is something the county does not have currently.THERESA GAFFNEYParty: RepublicanAge: 54Education: Pottsville Area High School; South Vocational LPN program.Profession/trade: United States Army Reserve 1982-1988 Combat Medic; admission supervisor at Good Samaritan Hospital for 28 years; first woman elected as Schuylkill County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans Court, 2012-present.Affiliations: Salvation Army; Servants to All homeless shelter; board member of Schuylkill County Fair; Schuylkill Community Action; Business and Professional Women of Schuylkill Haven; founder of Schuylkill County Emergency Homeless Shelter; past president of Pottsville Kiwanis; secretary of Schuylkill County NRA; member Friedensburg Fish and Game, Pine Grove and New Philadelphia American Legion, and Catholic War Veterans post 1709.Q: What would you bring to this office?Four years ago I asked the citizens of Schuylkill County for their trust, I ensured them that I would be a conservative fiscal steward, implement a check and balance system, cut my budget and create a professional and efficient office.I kept my word. I have done so without costing the taxpayers a single dime, utilizing money collected through the $10 automation fee. This internal fund has been the resource for all office improvements.I myself provide services after hours and on weekends often traveling to meet the needs of the people, to accommodate their work schedule or the military, housebound, or handicap individuals regardless of their request.Q: What, if any changes would you make for the office to run more efficiently?I would continue to serve the office with integrity and efficiency, as I have for the past four years.