All six female county row officers have signed a letter demanding the resignation of Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage Jr.

Dated Thursday, the letter to Halcovage cites the 75-page federal lawsuit filed in the Middle District of Pennsylvania where four female county employees have alleged sexual harassment against him. Other defendants are also named in the lawsuit. The letter was released to media on Thursday.

Treasurer Linda Marchalk, Clerk of Courts Maria Casey, Controller Sharyn Yackenchick, Prothonotary Bridget McGowan Miller, Recorder of Deeds Ann Dudish, and Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans Court, Theresa Santai-Gaffney - all Republicans - say that Halcovage, also Republican, has lost their trust and they have “no confidence” in his ability to effectively lead the county.

Calling the specific and detailed allegations “abhorrent, repulsive and inexcusable,” the women say the allegations are “legally and morally inappropriate and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. The allegations suggest a pattern of conduct unbecoming of any county employee, let alone a county commissioner who should be held to the highest standards as the chief elected official in county government.”

The letter says the signers feel that “anything short of resignation would be viewed as condoning your misconduct.” It goes on to say that by not resigning, Halcovage, who took office in 2012, “will only further stigmatize our great Schuylkill County and the people who work so tirelessly to honorably serve our constituents.”

The county’s solicitor’s office and human resources office investigated and determined that Halcovage violated three county policies, sexual harassment, conduct and discipline, and physical and verbal abuse. The investigation determined that if Halcovage was an employee he would be suspended and recommended for termination.

The state Attorney General’s office decided not to file charges against Halcovage due to the statute of limitations. The office was tasked with determining if Halcovage should face criminal charges for his alleged harassment of female county employees.

The women say they know Halcovage will have his day in court but it is “difficult to fathom a defense which would effectively excuse your conduct and its impact on these women. The people of Schuylkill County deserve far more from their highest elected official and will settle for nothing less.”

Commissioner Gary Hess, a Democrat, has previously stated Halcovage should resign.

Halcovage has denied the allegations against him. Wednesday he said he had no comment when asked to resign. He stepped down as chairman of the commissioners board in June, saying he didn’t want to distract from county business. Barron “Boots” Hetherington was appointed chairman.

Neither county administration or other county commissioners can discipline another commissioner or remove him from office absent criminal conviction or impeachment.

State Sen. David Argall, who represents Schuylkill and Berks counties, said this about possible impeachment.

“The possible impeachment of a county commissioner is a very serious and difficult matter. This will take some time as we carefully consider the options available to us in a bipartisan manner, taking into account the legal rights of the alleged victims as well as the legal rights of the alleged perpetrator.

If we decide that this is the appropriate way to address this issue, it will not be resolved quickly. It will require considerable research, testimony from both sides, and a full debate in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate.

It’s a sad day in Schuylkill County but we must address this matter in a way that is fair to all,” Argall said.