In Monroe County, incumbents John Christy and Sharon Laverdure are on the Democratic ticket. David C. Parker, Thomas Whitehead and Christine A. Wilkins are on the Republican ballot. Two spots are available on each ballot.

We asked the Republican candidates questions related to the office. Below are the answers.

David C. Parker

Town: East Stroudsburg

Background: Born and raised in East Stroudsburg. Degree in Business Administration from Messiah College. Worked in the family business, Cramer’s Home Centers for 27 years in various roles: salesperson, buyer, Director of Human Resources, and store manager. Led United Way, Day of Caring projects for the Red Cross, PATH House, and Family Promise. Member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board since 2009. Served as a State Representative for Monroe County in 2015 and 16.

Why you are running for office: I’m running for Monroe County Commissioner to help make our community a better place to live, work and raise a family. I want to continue the smart fiscal policies of other county administrations, while effectively delivering services to help our neighbors. I would work together with local, state, and federal leaders to fight for our fair share of funding for schools, roads, and economic development projects.

What do you think are the top three issues facing the county: Based on the feedback I hear from the current commissioners, other leaders in the community and voters, three top issues facing Monroe County are a lack of affordable housing, a lack of employees and candidates for employment, and inadequate infrastructure. Infrastructure would include not only roads and bridges, but utilities and cable/broadband service and cellphone service.

What can be done about the lack of affordable housing in the county, particularly for older adults: To address the affordable housing issue, I would try to get all the interested parties together who could collectively work on solutions. They would include municipalities, agencies, nonprofits, Realtors and builders. Other counties have tried public private partnerships for affordable housing with varying degrees of success. We could see what worked and create our own plan. For senior housing, I might look for buildings that could be repurposed to provide housing.

How would you keep the courthouse construction project on schedule: For me the schedule is not the biggest concern. We want to end up with buildings that serve us well for decades, even if the schedule gets delayed slightly. When we renovated the Salvation Army, I thought we should have a double door to the gym, but I didn’t want to delay the project. Every event we’ve had in there since, I’ve regretted not having double doors, as people wait to get in and out through a single door.

Your thoughts on the possible passenger rail line from New York City through Monroe County on to Scranton: I’ll believe it when I see it, but it seems like we are in a better position to get it now than we’ve ever been in the last few decades. Rail service would bring us new opportunities and new challenges.

Thomas Whitehead

Town: Tunkhannock Township

Background: I’ve lived in Monroe County for most of my life. I am a former legislative assistant for Congressman Lou Barletta and State Rep. Doyle Heffley, former chairman of the Monroe County Republican Committee and past president of the West End Republican Club. I graduated from Pocono Mountain High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Shepherd University. I’m a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Gilbert and the Knights of Columbus.

Why you are running for office: About 5 years ago, I worked for the county. As I was learning how things operate in the courthouse, I would often ask the question “why?” Why do we do things a certain way? And, the answer was always the same: “because that’s the way we’ve always done it.” We need new leaders who can change that mentality. We need a younger generation of leaders to step up & make changes that modernize the way the county operates.

What do you think are the top three issues facing the county: 1) Maintaining Fiscal Discipline - We must oppose any tax increases and cut any wasteful spending; 2) Housing -We need more housing. We need to get blighted, abandoned properties back in the market; 3) Family Sustaining Jobs - too many of our residents have to commute long distances to get jobs so they can afford the cost of living in Monroe County. We need to attract business that provide decent paying jobs to our county.

What can be done about the lack of affordable housing in the county, particularly for older adults: We need a greater inventory of housing. The current supply is not meeting the demand. We need to get blighted properties cleaned up so that new housing can be built. We also need to consider incentives for developers to build more housing.

How would you keep the courthouse construction project on schedule: Barring any unforeseen delays, the courthouse project should be nearly completed by the time the new commissioners are sworn-in in January 2024. We should just be putting on the finishing touches on this project during the first few months of the new commissioners’ term.

Your thoughts on the possible passenger rail line from New York City through Monroe County on to Scranton: A lot of unanswered questions still revolve around the issue of a possible passenger rail line connecting Monroe County and New York City - especially in regard to long-term funding. We’ve been hearing passenger rail is coming for most of my life. It seems like more likely now than it ever has; but, even among the advocates for rail, they are talking 2028 before the service would even be in operation … if at all.

Christine A. Wilkins Town: Analomink, Stroud Township

Background: Current Chairwoman Stroud Township Board of Supervisors. First Woman Appointed and Elected Supervisor Stroud Township (2015-present). Zoning Hearing Board (2010-2012) Planning Commission (2012-2015). Current Vice President- Pocono Mountains Council of Government, President/General Manager Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates. Current Board Member Women’s Resources Monroe County, Kettle Creek Environmental Fund, East Stroudsburg Little League. 2012 Northeast Business Journal Top 25 Women in Business. Adjunct Professor Northampton Community College (2014-2019) Real Estate Program.

Why you are running for office: My lifetime of shared experiences, a business professional working with thousands of local families, and someone active in our Monroe County community - gives me a deep understanding of the concerns of our residents and the issues they want their local leaders to address. It is that understanding, mixed with common sense on the strongest path for the future

What do you think are the top three issues facing the county: Housing, infrastructure, volunteer firefighter/EMS Services, and taxes as well. Each part of Monroe County is unique in the needs they have. I serve as vice president of Pocono Mountains Council of Governments bringing together local officials and agencies from across Monroe County to talk about and solve multi-jurisdictional problems. The working relationships I have with local officials and agencies allows me to begin on day one with understanding and addressing those needs.

What can be done about the lack of affordable housing in the county, particularly for older adults: As a real estate broker, I watch the market on a daily basis. I’ve been through numerous market changes. There is high demand for our over 55 community today. The pandemic, rising interest rates, exodus from the cities has brought a higher demand to our area causing a supply chain issue for housing. Even balance, less restrictions for residential development for our growing community and still maintain our Open Space and conservation can be done.

How you would keep the courthouse construction project on schedule: By keeping open communication with the contractors and the construction phases. To address any issues that may come up immediately. Growing up in real estate development, being in the real estate industry for over 30 years, and serving local government since 2010 gives me an understanding of the process, progress, and terms of the construction phases and what is needed.

Your thoughts on the possible passenger rail line from New York City through Monroe County on to Scranton: I advocate for even balance in all of Monroe County. Passenger Rail to New York City and Scranton will help boost our economy. This will help residents who commute to an out-of-county job more convenience, giving more time to spend with their family. Rail service will help ease the burden on our infrastructure. While many visit the Poconos for our beautiful attributes, many appreciate easy access to the cites for the culture, arts and shows.