May 13, 2007 By Rebekah Sungala 3 min read

GEORGES TWP. – Two candidates are vying for township supervisor in Tuesday’s primary, while three will battle to become township auditor. In the race for supervisor, political hopeful Sam J. Marano Jr. will attempt to unseat incumbent Mark “Moose” Migyanko by receiving the Democratic nomination.

Whoever wins the primary likely will be the next supervisor, because there is no Republican opposition. The supervisor’s position requires involvement in everything from legal, economic and environmental concerns to road maintenance and financial matters. Supervisors serve a six-year term.

Migyanko, who is seeking his second term, said in a written statement he will continue to serve as a full-time supervisor if re-elected.

During his tenure, Migyanko said he’s helped keep the roads clear in winter, replaced 75 percent of the drainpipes under township roads and closed open ditches, in addition to paving three miles of road each year.

Migyanko also said he has worked to provide residents with two clean-up days a year, one in the spring and one in the fall.

Also, Migyanko said he has helped obtain grants and began a recycling program. In addition, he said a compost site was made at the municipal building for residents to deposit tree limbs, leaves and grass clippings.

Saying he has received support from his fellow supervisors and township employees, Migyanko said he would continue to apply for grants if re-elected.

Migyanko did not comment about the supervisors’ unanimous decision to raise property taxes in early 2006.

In March, supervisors voted to increase the tax rate from .810 mills to 1.54 mills, resulting in residents paying $15.40 for every $10,000 in assessed property value, a difference of $7.30 from the previous rate.

Marano said he would, if elected, try to have the tax rate lowered.

“I would like to really dig into the possibility of rolling back the tax increase,” he said. “Taxes and increases are inevitable, but you can’t justify 80 percent.”

Marano, who was born in Georges Township and served three terms on the Fairchance Borough Council before moving back into the township, said supervisors need to be held accountable.

“I don’t like the direction the township is going,” Marano said, noting that the area should see major development come into the area within the next several years.

Marano said supervisors need to be fiscally responsible and shouldn’t have raised taxes to 1.54 mills without first trying to trim costs.

“A tax increase of that nature was uncalled for without first trying to control spending,” he said. “You don’t over inflate expenditures and under estimate revenue to balance a budget.”

If elected, Marano said he also would like to have an independent auditor review the township’s finances for the last three years, saying there has been too much controversy over money.

Marano said he also would focus on code enforcement.

Because of recent controversy regarding the township’s finances, the race for auditor has attracted three candidates who are vying for one seat.

The person elected auditor will be responsible for reviewing the township’s budget. The auditor is paid $1,000 to work 100 hours.

James H. Abraham, Richard L. Howell and Krisa M. Walls will battle for the Democratic nomination.

Whoever wins the nomination more than likely will run unopposed in November as there are no Republican candidates.