Thomas J. Gerhard says he will not participate at Monday’s televised debate featuring candidates for Carbon County Commissioner.

Gerhard, a Republican who has served on the board of commissioners since 2012, is running a write-in campaign to retain his seat. He did not win one of his party’s two nominations to be on the ballot for the Nov. 5 general election.

The candidates for Carbon County Commissioner are scheduled to debate on stage at Penn’s Peak on Monday at 7 p.m.

The debate will air live on BRC13.

Republican nominees Wayne Nothstein and Chris Lukasevich, Democratic nominees Bob Jacobs and Rocky Ahner, and independent candidate Gerald Strubinger have confirmed they will appear at the debate.

Nothstein is also an incumbent.

Penn’s Peak will also host a meet and greet for all candidates running for county-wide office prior to the debate, starting at 6 p.m.

Gerhard issued the following statement:

“I, Commissioner Tom Gerhard, after much thought, have made a decision not to participate in the Carbon Commissioners Debate 2019 on Monday, Oct. 28, 2019.

“Over the past eight years, the Board of Commissioners has worked together as a team for Carbon County and its residents. I believe that our record speaks for itself. I participated in one debate in 2011 and personally do not believe that any good comes from a debate. I feel that the debate will only turn into a “mudslinging contest.” The important issues at hand do not get properly addressed. If anyone wishes to contact me regarding current issues, my platform, or county business, they should feel free to contact me at 570-325-3611.

“I look forward to coming to work every day and am hopeful that the people of Carbon County will allow me the opportunity to serve them for another four years.

“Best of luck to all of the candidates.”