DA and commissioner candidates reply to questions from the press

By CHARLIE BUTERBAUGH

HAMLIN, PA — Bob Mermell, head of DeWit Media Group, Inc., introduced candidates for Wayne County district attorney (DA) and commissioner at a forum hosted by J & J Lounge on October 21.

The Southern Wayne Chamber of Commerce and DeWit Media Group, Inc. sponsored the event, which invited questions from a panel of reporters from Wayne County.

District Attorney

Both DA candidates focused on the problem of increased drug use and alluded to waging war on drugs in county schools. Christopher Farrell (R) referenced his record of voluntarily visiting schools to talk and “listen” to students about the incidents of drug use they have witnessed in and outside of schools. He said that when he begins to question students, he is always amazed at what kids know.

When asked what he would say to students to discourage drug use, he said he has a collection of stories that tell stories of individuals who chose to use drugs and eventually ended up in various forms of trouble.

Michael Lehutsky, the write-in candidate for DA, referenced his extensive record of prosecution and his work with the DARE program. In response to state cutbacks in DARE funding, Lehutsky said he would seek donations from community organizations to keep DARE alive, something he believes is vital for drug use prevention education. He said he would work to establish clearer community standards to discourage drug use with a collective force.

Both candidates said they would advocate continued funding to the Drug Task Force.

Farrell stressed his experience in prosecuting domestic violence offenders, and Lehutsky cited his experience with violent crime scenes and gathering evidence to prosecute violent criminals to make sure they get the punishments they deserve.

Both candidates were asked how they would treat complaints from residents in rural municipalities about infrequent police patrols and not enough police employees.

Lehutsky said he would lobby for a police substation in northern Wayne County to decrease response time for other police. Farrell said he would have at least one extra patrol car per night and work with politicians for more funding for police.

Lehutsky and Farrell both believe Wayne County’s current prison is inadequate and that a new facility is needed.

Commissioner

The four Wayne Commissioner candidates took the stage next. They include incumbent Anthony Herzog (R), former commissioners Donald Olsommer (R) and Robert Carmody (D), and Wayne County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Annetta DeYoung (D).

In response to a question about whether absent land use zoning in almost half of Wayne County townships is a viable situation given projected county growth, all candidates said township supervisors need to take responsibility to protect their open spaces with subdivision and general land use ordinances but that commissioners do not have the right to impose their opinions on municipal governments.

Herzog said, however, that a commissioner must fulfill his responsibility to the county by facilitating improvements in township governing bodies.

He also reminded the audience of the new Wayne County Comprehensive Plan that commissioners have been developing. He said the new plan will provide a road map for townships that want to create zoning laws.

Olsommer said one reason the Sterling Business Park is moving forward is because of zoning in Sterling Township.

Olsommer said he is excited about projected population and economic growth in Wayne County, but he said the county budget needs considerable revision, and that his first assignment as commissioner would be to review the budget line by line and see what cuts could be made. Carmody agreed, saying changes need to be made.

Herzog reminded candidates that the state provides strict guidelines for county budgets, and DeYoung praised the current commissioners’ allocation of funds. She said she did not see any bloat in the current budget but would also like to take a close look.

DeYoung also said the Wayne Economic Development Corporation needs to be bolstered by the county in order to draw economic development, though she stressed that Wayne’s history of agriculture and open space needs to be preserved.

Carmody and Olsommer referenced their ownership of farms and said their experience will help them provide counsel and assistance to farmers who want to remain in business.

Carmody said the major issue concerning economic development is “cash,” funding needed from state and federal resources to support projects like the Sterling Business Park.

He said his 24 years of experience in county government and involvement with the assessment board will guide him in making fiscally responsible decisions for the county.