In Schuylkill County, only Republican incumbents are facing challengers, including the Commissioners, Prothonotary, Register of Wills, Treasurer and Clerk of Courts. Here’s a look at the candidates for Treasurer and Register of Wills.

Treasurer candidates

Linda Marchalk

Background: Schuylkill County native, Blue Mountain High School graduate, and graduate of Penn State University with an associate degree in business administration, licensed title insurance agent, business owner for 15 years. Vice president of Northeast Edge Associates LLC, managing employees and an escrow account (handling more than $50 million annually).

Accomplishments at work: As treasurer I have generated more than $1 million in interest income on county accounts (including courts and agencies). I have brought properties into compliance with the Hotel Room Tax Ordinance, since 2017 generating $388,000 for the Fire Training Academy and $555,000 for the Visitors’ Bureau. To minimize management fees, I have led the charge to move pension money from managed funds to low-cost passive funds.

Role of the county treasurer: The county treasurer must be an efficient and effective government leader for the taxpayers, keeping the office transparent and accountable, while managing an office budget of $300,000. The treasurer must also show great customer service, and with the cooperation of Sheriff Joe Groody, I have offered extended hours five times a year at no additional cost to taxpayers.

Kira Adams

Background: Lifelong Schuylkill County resident and Republican, Pennsylvania State graduate and hardworking mother of two. Small-business owner of a studio called Dance Explosion, and Blue Mountain High School cheer coach. Strong supporter of the American Cancer Society and the SPCA.

Accomplishments at work: Many students have won numerous competitions and awards, and have gone on to have dance careers, teaching others to be the best they can be. In addition to teaching them skills, they have learned the value of hard work, dedication, positive self-image and teamwork — which carry over to everyday life lessons. I have strong business sense and am fiscally responsible. I will provide excellent customer service.

Role of the county treasurer: The treasurer is the steward of the county’s money. This person must be honest, competent, independent, fiscally responsible and have excellent customer service skills. Like all row offices, the treasurer’s office must be run as efficiently as possible without the influences of cronyism and nepotism, which cost the taxpayers money. The office in charge of the tax bills, receiving the funds and making sure every dollar is accounted for.

Register of Wills candidates

Theresa Santai-Gaffney

Background: U.S. Army Reserves veteran, member Catholic War Vets post 1089, American Legion, St. Patrick’s Church, PA Register of Wills and Orphans Court Assoc., Salvation Army advisory board, Schuylkill Community Action, Schuylkill County Fair, Servants to All Homeless Shelter, President Pottsville Kiwanis, Schuylkill County NRA and Sportsmens’ Assoc.

Accomplishments at work: I am seeking a third term. Since taking office seven years ago I have implemented many changes, including converting to a new computer system and replacing computers, while using internal automation funds. I have added online services and credit card services for the convenience of citizens. Recently the Clerk of the Orphans Court converted to a state-regulated guardianship system, that changes the filing process, offering education and assistance to the guardians.

Role of the register of wills: In regard to public service, the staff and I have committed to creating a professional and courteous atmosphere. We do so much more than creating and maintaining records. When a family comes in to open an estate, we try to ease the process and recognize what they are going through. Losing a loved one is difficult enough. Offering our condolences — or congratulating a couple to be married — makes a difference. I commend my staff for their professionalism, knowledge, dedication and compassion shown to everyone.

Frank J. DiMarco

Background: DiMarco, 47, resides in Walker Township with his wife Jolene (Zelinsky) and son Nicholas. A Tamaqua High School graduate (1990), DiMarco graduated from the Reading Police Academy in 1997. He’s served the public as a police officer for 22 years, and is also a business owner, a body shop and inspection/repair station, New Philadelphia.

Accomplishments at work: In the public service end my proudest accomplishments are seeing criminal cases through to the end and seeing that victims of crime get the justice they deserve, by closing a case with successful prosecution and a remedy for the victims. At my business, I provide a service to people at a reasonable cost and go above and beyond to accommodate the customers. I am proud to have my name on the business and I believe that still means something to this day, especially in the area where we live.

Role of the Register of Wills: The office serves as a probate of wills of deceased residents of the county, appointment of estates for persons without a will, maintaining records pertaining to estates, issuing marriage licenses and collection of the Pennsylvania inheritance tax. The office also serves as the Clerk of the Orphans Court (guardianships and adoptions of children). It is vital that the integrity of the office always be maintained, and that the office is run as a customer-based business meeting the ever-changing needs of the people, going above and beyond to accommodate all.