Two candidates are facing off for Carbon County controller to replace Bob Crampsie, who is retiring.

The County Controller, subject to the management and administration of the county Commissioners, supervises the fiscal affairs of the county. The accounts of all county officers who collect and disburse funds are examined and a full set of books of all financial transactions are kept in detail. Desk audits of all bills against the County are performed. Required approvals of all warrants issued on the treasurer are reviewed. All bids on contracts exceeding $10,000 are received in the controller’s office and opened at a public meeting.

The County Controller also supervises the daily operations of the Fiscal/Data Processing department.

Here is a look at the candidates:

Thomas “TJ” McCall

Democrat

Background: Academic study St. Charles Borromeo, Philadelphia and the University of Scranton. Harvard University Clinical Computing. Professional licenses from the Pennsylvania Department of State, Real Estate salesperson. DOT-Federal Aviation Administration — Private Pilot. Fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Panther Valley Charter Member. Fraternal member of the Carbon County AOH-Third Degree. Master Mason of Carbon Lodge 242 of F & AM. Chairman of the McCall Memorial Foundation.

Q: What qualifies you for office?

A: As a systems administrator for over 25 years, working in multiple industry sectors, including medical, production and manufacturing, as well as light commercial industries, I have a proven record of achievement in the planning and deployment of networking environments. Project management working with application development teams providing asset guidance, reporting and adherence to policies conducted in accordance with a code of ethics are just some of the assets I will bring to the office.

Q: What are your top priorities?

A: The job of county controller is the oversight role for the taxpayer. It’s the controller’s responsibility to ensure that transaction reporting is completed within the guidelines of its regulatory code. One of the first policy matters I will address will be to remove currency transactions from the business practices of all departments in the county. Removing the threat mitigates the risk of its loss and I will take the steps necessary to implement those changes.

Mark A. Sverchek

Republican

Background: I am a lifelong resident of Carbon County and was born and raised in Lansford. I am married to the former Anne Corkill of Jim Thorpe and we are the parents of three grown children and reside in Lehighton and have previously resided in Jim Thorpe. My wife and I have had the good fortune to live and work in a number of our communities and have great hope for the future of our County.

Q: What qualifies you for the office:

A: I believe my varied background and experience in the financial services area, my educational background (bachelor and master’s degrees) and my decadeslong involvement in community service make me an ideal candidate. My work experience included seven years in the county treasurer’s office, lastly serving as acting treasurer; 15 years in banking as branch manager, and lending and business development officer; and 20 years as the owner of a successful financial services Agency in Summit Hill.

Q: What are your top priorities?

A: I am proud of my background and strong problem solving skills that I will bring to bear in the controller’s office. I want to ensure that the office is running as efficiently and effectively as it can. I plan to examine all of the financial controls in place to see if they need to be changed or updated to prevent financial fraud. Lastly, I want to ensure that the pension fund is properly invested.