A Republican and a Democrat are facing off for election to a four-year term as Schuylkill County treasurer. The seat opened with the retirement of longtime officeholder Jacqueline McGovern, a Republican.

Republican Linda Marchalk of Tamaqua is vying with Democrat Brett Clark of Pottsville for the seat, which McGovern held for 20 years.Brett ClarkParty: DemocratAge: 34Education: Bloomsburg University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in accounting.Profession/trade: Controller for the City of Pottsville. Previously I was employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Treasury as an auditor, and most recently employed by Service Access & Management, Pottsville, as a financial consultant.Affiliations: Board member of Schuylkill YMCA, Avenues, and CACL Credit Union. I was also involved with Schuylkill Women in Crisis as a member of their Power of Women Class of 2015, which was a fundraising effort.Q: What would you bring to the office?If elected I will bring professionalism, integrity and fiscally responsible management to the treasurer's office. I am the most qualified candidate, because I have over a decade of experience in governmental audits, full-cycle accounting, corporate and personal tax accounting, as well as firsthand experience working for Schuylkill County. I was a fiscal examiner for the Schuylkill County Controller's office before working for Service Access and Management, so I know the county's software, budget preparation process, and policy and procedures.Q: What changes would you make to the office?A few of the changes I will implement in the treasurer's office would be Saturday office hours in conjunction with other row offices (the sheriff's office is open one Saturday a month), and the option to pay taxes, licenses and other items online.Linda MarchalkParty: RepublicanAge: 48Education: Blue Mountain High School; Penn State University, Business Administration/Accounting.Profession/trade: Vice president and managing principal in Northeast Pennsylvania Abstract Agency.Affiliations: Current treasurer of the Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce, an active member of the Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce and is active with the Schuylkill County Board of Realtors.Q: What will you bring to the office?As a local small business owner, I am responsible for managing bank accounts through which over $25 million dollars pass each year as well for supervising staff. I know what it takes to make payroll, pay taxes and balance a budget. I have proven experience to provide transparent and accountable leadership, top-notch customer service and efficient and effective government.Q: What changes would you make to the office if elected?I will continue to expand upon the efforts of retiring county treasurer Jackie McGovern and implement policies and procedures designed to make the office run even more efficiently and cost-effectively. Some of those initiatives will continue to include working with the county MIS department to monitor and update the online tax collectors system, utilizing the Pennsylvania Automated Licensing System to issue hunting, fishing and doe licenses and to expand electronic and other payment options for licenses, taxes and other county services.