Michael J. Sofranko is announcing that he will be seeking the Republican nomination for Carbon County commissioner.

A lifelong Carbon County resident, he is employed at Mack Trucks in Macungie.

His three decades in municipal government include 14 years as mayor and 16 years as a Jim Thorpe Borough councilman, 14 of which he spent as council president. During that time, he has served the residents with pride, dedication, and fiscal responsibility.

Under Sofranko’s oversight, Jim Thorpe’s police department has reduced crime and increased arrests for drug related offenses, demonstrating his commitment to the prosecution of drug offenders. He collaborated with the police chief to secure funding, including over $100,000 in Local Share Account grants, all of which ease the burden on taxpayers.

With a track record of approachability and bipartisanship, Sofranko’s ability to facilitate discussions with a common-sense approach is one of his strongest attributes. He believes that during demanding times of unknown rising costs for families, future tax burdens and fiscal responsibilities must be addressed.

Sofranko acknowledges that while growth within Carbon County is essential for the families to call “home,” changes cannot be drastic without input from its residents.

“In my 30-year involvement in local government from balancing budgets and the oversight of police to listening and understanding taxpayers,” he said, “I’ve learned that we must work together and respect each other’s opinions to develop the solutions needed to address the financial and quality of life issues facing every Carbon County resident.”

Sofranko is the son of Florence (Butchko) and the late James Sofranko. He graduated from Marian Catholic High School and earned an Associate Degree from Lincoln Technical Institute. He is married to Therese Krebs of Jim Thorpe for 35 years. They have two children, Michael, a member of the Pennsylvania State Police, and his wife Christina, a Special Education Teacher. He is a proud grandfather to their two children. His daughter, Emily, is a Special Education Teacher at Tamaqua Area School District. He is 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and worships at Immaculate Conception Parish, formerly St. Joseph’s in Jim Thorpe.