Rocky Ahner of Lehighton announces his candidacy to earn the Democratic nomination for Carbon County Commissioner in May.

Ahner's experience in private industry, running his own business for 30 years, and his community involvement makes him uniquely qualified.Ahner was born in Franklin Township, attended Carbon County Technical Institute, graduated from Lehighton High School and was employed at both The New Jersey Zinc Company and Mack Trucks. His knowledge in industry and local business has prepared him with the ability to make common sense decisions for the residents of Carbon County.Ahner has extensive community involvement and leadership experience. A current member of the Lehighton Area School Board and past president, he also serves on the Pennsylvania School Board Association as Assistant Director of Region 8 and Carbon County Legislative Coordinator. He is also a delegate to the National School Boards Association, and an alternate on the CCTI board. He is a lifetime member of the Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company, Lehighton American Legion Post 314 member, and the Lehighton Rotary Club. Ahner has earned the respect of his community.Ahner, an instrumental volunteer of the Franklin Township Little League, says "Running the annual trips to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons was one of my favorite things." As a part of these trips, local players received instructional on field clinics with several professional ball players."Giving back is where my focus has been and will continue to be directed as Carbon County Commissioner. To do the job for the people who elected me ... to enrich their lives."Ahner has received accolades from parents, colleagues and customers over the years for his friendliness and honesty as well as his decades of real business world and small-town experience.Ahner is married to Connie and has sons Jeremy of Wyoming, Joshua of Palmerton, and Matt and Nick Schaeffer at home."Our towns are hurting. My focus is to keep taxes low. Period." One of Ahner's visions for the county is to introduce a grant writer within the means of the current budget to ease financial shortfalls for our municipalities and volunteer organizations.