In the Schuylkill County prothonotary race, three Republican challengers vie for the post occupied by Republican Al Gricoski. The commissioners named Gricoski, then first deputy, to serve as acting prothonotary April 1 following the retirement of David Dutcavitch.

Al Gricoski

Background: North Schuylkill HS, attended Penn State-Schuylkill and Bloomsburg, graduate of Simmons School of Mortuary, Syracuse. Owner of Albert L. Gricoski Funeral Home, Frackville (28 years); married 32 years to Denise, son Andrew. In Frackville, Past Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus; Exalted Ruler, BPOE Elks; Business and Professional Association and Rotary.

Accomplishments at work: As first deputy, I collected, organized, summarized and presented to the Controller’s Office all information regarding the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation condemnation properties, and rents and wage attachments with supporting receipts, in a timely manner. As Acting Prothonotary, I have electronically changed the bookkeeping procedures and receipt system, making them more transparent with better safeguards.

Role of the Prothonotary: As the principal clerk of the court, the prothonotary is responsible for filing, recording and processing all civil cases regarding judgments, tax liens, family court matters and applications for passports. The fees collected for services pay all expenses (including staff salaries) so that the office is self-sufficient and does not use taxpayer funds. Surplus revenue is turned over to the county general fund.

Dan Daub

Background: Mayor of Tower City, Chairman of Schuylkill County Republican Party, Chairman of county Zoning Hearing Board. Daub, who has a BA in business administration (accounting) from Shippensburg University, is a health care executive. Past member of Board of Directors for Schuylkill Chamber, Avenues, and the Sweet Arrow Lake County Park board.

Accomplishments at work: My proudest accomplishments are the moments when you can change and improve people’s lives. For example, in the nursing home field where I work, finding qualified staff was a challenge. I was able to secure agreements with a local community college to provide classes in the facility, and got our company to sponsor the training costs, allowing groups of individuals to start nursing careers without incurring the cost of classes.

Role of the Prothonotary: I am someone who has the education and experience to truly lead the office. There have been major accounting issues and I have a strong background in accounting. The office handles sensitive legal documentation that impacts people’s lives. I am very qualified and devoted to doing a good job, while treating people with dignity, fairness and respect. I will make arrangements outside normal work hours to process passport requests.

Larry Padora

Background: Business owner, New Ringgold Council President, Chairman of the Schuylkill County Tax Collection Committee (an all-volunteer group that oversees collection of the earned income tax, $22 million). New Ringgold tax rates are among the lowest in the county, and the EIT rate is one of the lowest in the state.

Accomplishments at work: Padora’s Italian Bakery has a tradition of hard work and dedication that has enabled us to stay in business for 129 years. We put our heart and soul into our work, and also support the community through food donations to many charitable causes. It is this commitment to people, work ethic and business sense that I would bring to the office.

Role of the Prothonotary: The prothonotary is the keeper of civil justice records (lawsuits and similar). Sadly, the office has been scandalized with mismanagement and cronyism. It’s time for an independent audit, the implementations of proper internal controls and the abolishment of cronyism and nepotism. I will modernize the office with a system that allows for online filing of paperwork and have Saturday hours so that everyone can have better access.

Bridget McGowan Miller

Background: Native of Port Carbon, Nativity High School graduate and attended LCCC. Lives in Orwigsburg with husband, Dave (married 33 years). During a 20-year career in banking, starting as teller, was promoted to branch manager, mortgage loan officer and assistant vice president. Currently work as vice president of operations for a building and development company.

Accomplishments at work: Being part of a successful, family-owned business which continues to thrive after 30 years, providing employment opportunities to local workers and businesses, while working closely with hundreds of customers. This experience along with my attention to detail, work ethic, management and organizational skills will be a great asset to the office. I am also confident in my fiscal capabilities working within budgets and strict guidelines.

Role of the Prothonotary: The main role of the prothonotary is the keeper of civil records. The prothonotary is responsible for the management of the office and staff, ensuring that clear and concise records are kept of all transactions with full transparency. The prothonotary files reports in a timely manner and works with office staff to guarantee that every citizen who visits the office is treated fairly and with respect.