The five candidates for Carbon County Commissioner debated during a program held on Monday at Penn’s Peak.

A staunch crowd gathered to watch the candidates on stage answer questions from panelists and area business people during the debate televised live by BRCTV 13.

The debate was 90 minutes long, and candidates were able to make a 30-second opening statement and a 60-second closing statement.

Questions were posed, each of which were directed to a single candidate who had 60 seconds to answer. The other four candidates then had 30 seconds each to respond.

Candidates drew straws ahead of the debate to determine their speaking order and seating arrangements.

Republican nominees Wayne Nothstein, incumbent, and Chris Lukasevich; Democratic nominees Bob Jacobs and Rocky Ahner; and not affiliated candidate Gerald Strubinger all participated in the debate.

Write-in candidate Thomas J. Gerhard, who has served on the board of commissioners since 2012, chose not to participate in the debate.

Gerhard, a Republican, 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.

Among the questions the candidates were asked included what their plan would be to address the drug issue.

Jacobs said he believes that we “need to continue to bring in more services,” and to do more and more work on prevention and reaching children in their early years.

Strubinger said we need to reach the youth in their primary school years, and “make sure the students are aware of what’s bad for them.”

Ahner said we have to educate not only the kids, but people “from every age group” on the drug issue.

The candidates also shared their thoughts on a question from the audience as to what they would do about the train station in Jim Thorpe.

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway announced earlier this month it is ceasing operations in Jim Thorpe on Nov. 25.

Jacobs said he would try to bring all the parties together to work things out.

Strubinger said that the train station has quite the history, and noted the impact its loss would have on the borough’s tourism.

Ahner said he believes there’s “miscommunication” between the parties involved, and explained how the county needs the train, and the borough needs the taxes.

Lukasevich said he would look to facilitate conversation between the parties.

Nothstein said that while he could see both sides, he would personally contact the owner himself.

After giving their responses and rebuttals to all of the questions, each of the candidates were then afforded the opportunity to give closing statements.

Nothstein said his experience speaks volumes, adding there is a “delicate balance trying to get the right people to the table to make things happen.”

Jacobs said the voters have two potential options: They can continue “to stay the course,” or they can opt for candidates who are good strategic planners and good collaborators, such as himself.

Strubinger said that if voters want a commissioner who will attend every meeting, be at the beckon call of county residents and “get the economy going again,” it is he they should vote for.

Ahner said he’s a “hands-on person” who “always gets things done” and “listens” to the people.

Lukasevich said he appreciates the American taxpayer for their support with his career, and that he embodies “leadership.”

The debate was sponsored by the Times News, BRCTV 13 and the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation. The moderator was Kim Bell, general manager of BRCTV 13.

Panelists for the event were CCEDC Executive Director Marlyn Kissner, Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau President/CEO Chris Barrett, and Times News Editor Marta Gouger.

Bell said that the debate will be on demand for Blue Ridge Communications customers starting Wednesday. She said the debate will also be featured at www.tnonline.com after that date.

A meet and greet with candidates for commissioner and all countywide offices was held before the debate.

There are contested races for district attorney, county controller, recorder of deeds, clerk of courts and prothonotary.