There are contested races in both the Carbon County clerk of courts and recorder of deeds offices in the upcoming general election.

Current Clerk of Courts Francine Heaney, who was appointed by the governor last year to fill the unexpired term of William McGinley, faces off against Tyra Boni; while newcomers Bill Richards and Donna Gentile face off to fill the recorder of deeds seat, a position that Emmett McCall held until his passing earlier this year.

We asked the candidates what qualifies them to fill these positions and what their top priorities would be if elected.

Their answers are below, with candidates listed in alphabetical order.

Carbon County Clerk

Tyra Boni

Background: I was born and raised in Franklin Township. I am the daughter of David and Irene Williams and a 1987 graduate of Lehighton Area High School. I reside in Lehighton with my husband, Aldo, of 28 years. Together we have raised two daughters; Miranda, married to Benjamin Wommer, and Gabriella, married to Dominic Lorenzo. Our growing family also includes two grandsons, Weston and Declan.

Q: What qualifies you for office?

A: I am currently working as First Deputy in the Register of Wills Office. I have personally assisted in modernizing operating procedures and would like to bring that knowledge to the Clerk of Courts Office. I believe my 15 years of small-business management and administrative experience will be instrumental in this role. Most importantly, I have acquired the fiduciary responsibilities and the management skills needed to be an effective administrator of the Clerk of Courts office.

Q: What are your top priorities if elected?

A: Sound management, along with integrity, transparency, cross-training, and team unity will bring the office to one that is respected and admired. I will display integrity and honesty in all interactions and treat those that I encounter with the utmost respect and dignity. It’s time for positive change in the Clerk of Courts Office and I will work hard everyday to give Carbon County an office they can have confidence in and trust.”

Francine Heaney

Background: Born and raised in the New Columbus section of Nesquehoning to William and Helen (Kusko) Damian. Married to Pat Heaney. Two sons: Ryan and his wife Tina (Maurer), and Patrick. Two grandsons, Finnegan and Seamus. Twenty years as a medical secretary and office manager. Real Estate contract preparer and legal secretary.

Q: What qualifies you for office?

A: I worked for seven years as a clerical specialist in the Clerk of Courts office, where I gained valuable experience with all facets of the office such as creating files, maintaining court records and preparing and processing various court documents. Five years as an administrative assistant in court administration working along with various court offices and our judges. I am fully trained by the AOPC on court processes, costs and fines and statutes.

Q: What are your top priorities if elected?

A: Maintain the integrity of the office. Continue to clear up the balance of the 27-month backlog. Implement more e-file processes to better streamline the daily workload. Reduce the amount of currency by implementing credit card bail payment. Work with the court processing committee to alleviate the caseload. Stay current with daily processes so ARD clients can finish programs early. Campaign for laptops in the courtroom so orders are finished immediately for timely distribution.

Carbon County Recorder of Deeds

Donna L Gentile

Background: I am a lifelong resident of Carbon County. I am the daughter of Dennis and Nancy Hinkle. I am married to Bill Gentile. I have two daughters, two stepsons and one grandson. I have been employed by the Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank as a customer service representative for 21 years and assistant branch manager for nine years. I have volunteered my services as treasurer and board member of Discovery Fellowship Church for 10 years.

Q: What qualifies you for office?

A: I am confident that I am qualified for the position of Recorder of Deeds due to my years of experience working for Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank. I worked with the public for many years as a customer service representative and assistant manager, and have experience working with powers of attorney. I am currently a commissioned notary public. I feel my experience will assist me in providing exceptional service for the residents of Carbon County.

Q: What are your top priorities if elected?

A: My top priorities for becoming the Carbon County Recorder of Deeds is to provide the residents of Carbon County the best service possible. I want all individuals to feel comfortable when coming into my office. I plan to run the office with efficiency and accuracy, with a staff that is competent, courteous and accommodating as they could be. I do not want anyone to walk out of my office without being completely satisfied.

Bill Richards

Place of residence: Nesquehoning

Background: I am the Deputy Chief of Staff for state Sen. John T. Yudichak, and previously worked as Director of Field Operations for Speaker of the House state Rep. Keith McCall. Before that, I worked for 25 years as Human Services Casework Coordinator for the Carbon County Action Committee. I am a former member of the Panther Valley School District Board of Education. My wife Joanne and I reside in Nesquehoning and have a son Ryan.

Q: What qualifies you for office?

A: Working for a state representative and senator for 14 years and spending 25 years in the delivery of human services has helped prepare me to handle the responsibilities of such an important office as the Recorder of Deeds. The experience I gained in managing people, dealing with the public, and most importantly paying attention to details, involving people and their lives was invaluable and will enable me to continue doing good work in public service.

Q: What are your top priorities?

A: Efficiency and accountability will always play a prominent role in the office’s operations under my watch. They also lend to the office being a user-friendly one in which visitors will feel confident and comfortable in the services we provide them. The filing of deeds, mortgages, leases, easements, maps and even military discharges is very important to people, and under my guidance we will make sure every need of the public is met with dependability.