The Rev. Hugh Vrablic of Lansford has announced his candidacy for mayor of Lansford. He is seeking the democratic nomination in the May 18 primary election.

Vrablic said, “I believe my education and dedication will make a positive change and will help our town in many ways. I bring knowledge and understanding to the position and will be able to oversee the operations of the police department by providing them with support and assistance in the valuable work that they are doing.”

Vrablic said he wants to see “growth in our community,” adding, “It is time to change the negative image into a positive one and your vote will do just that. Let’s make the change together.”

Vrablic is a 1983 graduate of Panther Valley High School, 2007 graduate of DeSales University (BA), 2011 graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity) and is currently a fourth-year doctoral student at Eastern University.

He has worked as a respiratory therapist for many years in area hospitals until he became an ordained minister, preaching in regional churches of the Presbyterian, Lutheran and United Church of Christ. His doctoral work is in marriage and family counseling, and he is working with people with special needs in the region.

Vrablic has served the community during his teenage years as an EMT and currently sits on the Lansford Zoning Hearing Board. He has also been the Cub Scout Master of the Panther Valley Cub Scout Troop 765, Lansford, for the last few years, helping with fundraising and the growth of the children within the community.

The candidate and his fiancee, Missy, live with her four children. Vrablic has three adult children, Andrew and his fiancee, Amy, and their son, Daniel, and Nathan of Lansford, and Marisa Lichtenwalner, her husband Dakota, and their daughter, Olivia, of Palmerton.