1. How can Schuylkill County stem the outmigration of its youth?

"I believe we have to offer incentives to our young people. When they graduate from college, they and their parents face the tremendous burden of repaying student loans. As far as jobs are concerned, it's tough. Tradespeople have more opportunities because of our expanding manufacturing jobs. I'm researching the best ways to encourage our young people to stay here in Schuylkill County, maybe in teaching capacities or on-the-job training opportunities. We have lots of volunteer programs, like Pottsville Positive. That's a good start, they can put their foot in the door and step in. Through volunteering, they can meet people, like business owners and heads of companies, who can steer them in the right direction.2. Many young people choose not to stay in the county because of its reputation for being unwelcome to diversity racial, sexual orientation, religious or gender. What are you doing, or would you do, to make the county more welcoming and appreciative of differences?"It takes a little while for people in Schuylkill County trust (new residents), but once they do, they'll do anything for you. They'll give you the shirt off their back. The lower cost of living here is one reason why people come into Schuylkill County, and we're close to Allentown and Harrisburg. I hope people realize that everyone is treated equally and respectfully in Schuylkill County, but you have to be willing to work, and not come here for a free ride. I've been around all types of people all my life, and I go by what my father used to say, 'treat people the way they treat you.'"3. The county prison is aging and overcrowded, and court schedules are busier than ever. Would you be in favor of establishing a drug court in the county?"Yes. From what I understand, it seems to be working in other counties. I would definitely look into a feasibility study to see if that's what we need. We definitely need a prerelease center. A drug court would ease the clogging of our court system."4. How, specifically, would you help people regain their trust in county government in the wake of recent allegations of financial malfeasance?"I have to remind people that sometimes bad things happen to good people. The incidents are still under investigation. However, everybody makes mistakes. They were elected into a trustworthy position and if they didn't follow the procedures. ... It was found, it was taken care of, they were removed from office. Trust is going to be a hard thing to come back. Public trust is a sacred thing. When it is bruised or broken, it's going to take a while to be regained."5. Why should people vote for you?"I try to be honest with people. the leaders of a community have the important role of connecting people to government and to each other. the elected officials who will be successful have the ability to be connectors, facilitators, and more importantly, good listeners. That's key. You have to be a good listener, you have to evaluate what people are saying, and then you have to facilitate. a lot of time it means bringing entities together. Gary and I are for the betterment of businesses and the community. We are listening, we're not dictating."