Eight Democrats seek nomination for county treasurer post
John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard
Mark O’Keefe (center), Herald-Standard executive editor, moderates a debate between four of the eight candidates for Fayette County treasurer, including (from left) Larry J. Russman, Nancy Lee Wilson, Beth Kerns-Patton and Michael Zimcosky.
Roberto M. Esquivel|Herald-Standard
Candidates for Fayette County Treasurer Larry Roberts (left) and Melvin Lerch (center) respond to questions from Mark O’Keefe, Herald-Standard executive editor, during a recent meeting before the editorial board.
Roberto M. Esquivel|Herald-Standard
Candidates for Fayette County Treasurer Tom Pearson (left) and Brad Geyer (center) respond to questions from Mark O’Keefe, Herald-Standard executive editor, during a recent meeting before the editorial board.
Mark O'Keefe (center), Herald-Standard executive editor moderates a debate between four of the eight candidates for Fayette County treasurer, including (from left) Larry J. Russman, Nancy Lee Wilson, Beth Kerns-Patton and Michael Zimcosky.
Eight Democratic candidates are seeking the party nomination to serve as the Fayette County treasurer in the May 21 primary.
Brad W. Geyer of Connellsville, Melvin E. Lerch Jr. of Franklin Township, Beth Kerns-Patton of Bullskin Township, Thomas Pearson III of Smock, Lawrence “Larry” Roberts of South Union Township, Larry J. Russman of North Union Township, Nancy Lee Wilson of Uniontown and Michael Zimcosky of Smock are seeking to fill the position now held by Robert F. “Bobby” Danko.
Earlier this year Danko announced that he would retire and not seek re-election. He has served as county treasurer for six terms.
There are no Republican candidates seeking the position.
The candidates recently met with the Herald-Standard editorial board to discuss their respective views about the responsibilities of the office and how their background and experience has prepared them to fill the position.
In addition to receiving all the county revenues, the treasurer’s office also serves as the state’s agency for the issuance of hunting, fishing and dog licenses, among others. The county office also serves as the tax collection agency for the cities of Uniontown and Connellsville and Ohiopyle Borough.
The candidates agreed that Danko well-served the county during his tenure and speculated that only a few changes, if any, would be needed to improve its operation.
Lerch said that any changes would be determined after he was elected to the position.
“I would have to get adapted to the office first and listen to any recommendations from the office personnel,” he said. “I believe if it is working, it doesn’t need fixed. If changes are needed, then we will look at what needs implemented.”
Pearson, too, said that he would tap Danko’s expertise before considering improvements to the office.
“If there are updates to make then we will make those,” he said.
Roberts said that it necessary to ensure the office has updated software, that appropriate revenues are received, and that online dog license services are highlighted.
“We should advertise that dog licenses are available online,” he said.
Geyer, meanwhile, said that efficient technology is most important to the operation of the office.
“We’ve heard that new computers and software have been purchased,” he said. “Now we have to make sure that they are installed and that they are used to their fullest potential.”
Russman commended Danko and the office staff for their work, but the need for any improvements under his administration would be determined after he would have the opportunity to assess its needs.
“If anything we could do to make the office run more efficiently and more customer friendly would be done,” said Russman.
Wilson said that she would monitor the technological needs of the office and make any needed changes.
“I will be mindful of the quality of the policy issues,” she said. “I will continue operating the office as Mr. Danko has done. He has done a great job. We have newer computers and have allowed for dog licenses to be applied for online.”
Zimcosky said that the county commissioners are responsible for the purchase of new computers, accounting software and other technological improvements, not the county treasurer, or other row officers.
If elected, he would assess the office needs and work with the elected officials to make the office more convenient to the general public.
“As an auditor for the controller’s office, I know each of the commissioners and they know my work,” he said. “I would work with them to improve the office and find ways to make the office better in an effort to save taxpayer money.”
Kerns-Patton said that much of Danko’s success was due in part to his personality, willingness to serve county residents and effectively manage the office staff.
As a former restaurant owner, Kerns-Patton said that experience will serve her as the county treasurer and to assess its needs.
“Until you step foot in the door and walk in those shoes, it is very difficult to know what needs changed or what needs fixed,” she said. “I just want to continue (Danko’s) great leadership and do what is right.”
The candidates said that they have the knowledge, experience and background to step into Danko’s position, if elected.
Geyer is currently a councilman and director of accounts and finance for the city of Connellsville and employed by the Private Industry County of Westmoreland/Fayette Inc. as a grant supervisor for the Fayette Energy Grant.
“During my time on council, I’ve been involved with the hiring, firing and disciplinary action with 37 full-time and part-time municipal workers in addition to being involved with three pension funds,” he said. “Those are direct experiences needed by the treasurer on a daily basis.”
Lerch said that his service as a Franklin Township supervisor for nearly 30 years has prepared him to serve as the county treasurer.
“I have worked with tax dollars, budgets, many employees and grants for small and large projects,” he said. “I’m not afraid of hard work.”
Pearson, said that his more than three decades as a private business owner makes him a highly qualified candidate for managing revenue and performing the other responsibilities of the treasurer.
He currently owns a bail bond business.
“I might not know all the ins and outs of the office, but I know that I can learn rapidly,” he said.
Roberts, a former state representative for the 51st legislative district, is now a self-employed labor arbitrator.
“One of the primary responsibilities of the treasurer’s office is fiscal responsibility,” he said. “My experience qualifies me for the position,” he said.
Kerns-Patton is currently employed with the county tax assessment office as an auditor. Her duties include the collection and auditing of funds collected by the county’s 40 municipal tax collectors.
She previously worked in the county tax claim office.
“I’m a good candidate,” she said. “I have the qualifications and personality for the position.”
Russman, the owner of the Larry J. Russman Insurance Agency and Larry’s Plate & Title Service in Uniontown, said his more than two decades in business has prepared him to oversee the treasurer’s office.
“I pretty much do what the county treasurer does,” he said. “I collect resources and send them into the appropriate state divisions.”
Wilson, is currently the second deputy in the treasurer’s office.
“I have almost 34 years working in the office,” she said.
“Presently, I am responsible for the tax account and the agent account which is the state licensing account with the exception of the bingo and small game of chance licenses,” she said.
Zimcosky is currently employed as an auditor in the county controller’s office.
“I feel I am the most qualified candidate for the position due to my hands-on work experience, the ability to foster customer service in the office and my ability to be a full-time treasurer and work with the staff to make the office the best that it can be,” he said.
To view the entire editorial board session with the Fayette County treasurer candidates, visit the Herald-Standard website at www.heraldstandard.com.