Commissioners race

With three open seats and four candidates, the Pike County Commissioner race is competitive. 

Christa Caceres and Anthony Waldron are both running on the Democratic ticket, while Matthew Osterberg and Ronald Schmalzle are both on the Republican ticket. 

Matthew M. Osterberg (D)

I have always been devoted to community service and Pike County. One of my best qualities is finding solutions to problems. The issues that face county residents, our neighbors and friends, need solutions so that whether someone is disadvantaged or disabled, veteran or senior, they have what they need to improve their lives. Quality of life is a major goal of a county commissioner, and I am committed to fulfilling this goal.

Expansion of medical services is so important in Pike County. Working alongside Ron Schmalzle, we have created a successful training program for EMTs and our efforts of bringing two new Urgent Cares to the county continues. The creation of a Medical Foundation will be the beginning of bringing a 24/7 medical facility to the area. We bolstered and greatly improved EMS services by partnering with local municipalities and will continue the support for the Women’s Health Clinic we helped coordinate. Future plans will address other important issues, including a vocational training center for the disabled and affordable housing for seniors. These plans will not only herald better medical care and quality of life but the opportunity for quality jobs as well. 

Ronald R. Schmalzle (R)

Ron Schmalzle

I felt it was time for me to serve the community and draw upon what I had learned from building first-generation businesses in Pike County. Stepping into a position that holds tremendous responsibility over people’s lives is exciting and I know that I can have a positive impact on the residents, visitors and county employees in the office of commissioner. 

This job demands that you have the knowledge of what leadership really is; it’s not about being the best, it’s about making everyone else better!

I want to see the Bennett Avenue facility completed as a Vocational Training Center for the disabled. This will be in partnership with the Human Resource Center (HRC) and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). To accomplish the expansion of Medical Care Services in Pike County. We have bolstered ambulance services, created a program to train EMTs and soon two Urgent Cares. To finalize the creation of a Medical Foundation with the role of building a 24/7 emergency facility in Pike County. The vision of a 24/7 medical facility in Pike County is also coming to fruition. Under the leadership of Matt Osterberg and myself, we are making it happen. 

Christa Caceres (D)

Christa Caceres

I am running for Commissioner because I believe Pike County can do a better job at economic development, protecting our environment, expanding healthcare and improving the quality of life for Pike County residents.

I oppose the Mega-Warehouse the Pike County Economic Development Agency (EDA)—overseen by our incumbent County Commissioners—has proposed to be built on top of the Milford Aquifer at the I-84 Milford interchange. That aquifer provides drinking water to Milford Borough and Milford and Dingman Townships. No elected official should tell us we must accept environmental degradation in “the name of progress.”

We need the EDA to focus on more sophisticated economic development to create good jobs and attract investment in our workforce, not just facilitating real estate deals for developers that endanger our quality of life and don’t bring well-paying jobs.

We need to expand our Ride-Share program so seniors and those with disabilities can get to their doctor’s appointments, places of employment and shop for groceries. We need more women’s healthcare, including OB/Gyn and maternity care, so mothers in Pike don’t have to leave the county to give birth, as I did. We need better behavioral health services, especially for young people.

But most of all, I will bring a fresh perspective, greater transparency and more accountability to the Commissioner’s office. When one of the incumbent Commissioners told me, “it isn’t your turn,” it only made me more determined to win.

Anthony Waldron (D)

Magisterial District Judge

Cristin Cavallaro is running unopposed for Magisterial District Judge for Court 60-3-01 in Pike County, PA. The court covers Matamoras Boro, Westfall Township, Milford Boro, and Milford Township. Cavallaro is running on both the Democrat and Republican ticket.

Cristin Cavallaro (D)(R)

Cristin Cavallaro

What is a Magisterial District Judge and a District Court? He or she is the people’s judge, and the court is the gateway to the justice system in Pennsylvania. 

I am Cristin Cavallaro and I am running for Magisterial District Judge, Court 60-3-01, covering Matamoras Boro, Westfall Township, Milford Boro and Milford Township. 

As a lifelong resident of the area, I hold a deep affection for my community. I went through the Delaware Valley school system, earned a degree in political science from St. Joseph’s University, and have worked and volunteered in Pike County over 35 years. Along with my husband, a retired Sergeant with the Pennsylvania State Police, I’ve been privileged to raise our family in Matamoras.

As an educator, athletic coach and church administrator, I have devoted my life to working with children and families. I have been educated and certified by the Minor Judiciary Board of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. My experience, along with my education, gives me a positive and unique perspective to bring to the MDJ position. I respectfully ask for your vote on November 7 so that I can continue to keep Pike County safe, peaceful and welcoming.