The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Local News

February 5, 2009

Officials aim to entice political newcomers

By Monica Pryts

NORTHWEST MERCER COUNTY — Democratic Greenville Mayor Richard H. Miller and Republican Greenville Councilman Brian Shipley are hosting a special meeting Feb. 17 to get more people in the northwestern part of the county interested in running for elective office in the spring primary.

Miller and Shipley said too many local offices go unfilled or only one person runs. Without choices, there’s no dialogue, which leaves voters uninformed when they cast their ballots, they said.

“We are of opposite political persuasions, but we are committed to encouraging more people to run for these offices,” they said in a news release.

The meeting is set for 7 p.m. in the Greenville Moose Family Center, 32 Shenango St.

Residents will learn how to become a candidate and what local offices will be on the ballot May 19. Most of the offices carry four-year terms.

Open positions include school board seats, township supervisors, mayors and council members, assessors, constables, auditors, district judges and inspectors of elections, Miller and Shipley said.

“Too little interest in these jobs is creating a crisis at the local level,” said Miller. Miller, who is up for re-election this year, has been at the forefront of local Democratic politics for four decades.

“We believe a vibrant and progressive local community is aided by elections for government positions where voters have a choice,” said Shipley, a longtime Republican activist and a former county party chairman.

The men said they believe a bipartisan approach is a good solution to generating more interest in the election.

People who have held or currently hold elected positions will be at the meeting to explain their duties, how much time is required of them and the highs and lows of their experiences, the men said.

Feb. 17 is also the first day candidates can start seeking signatures for nominating positions. Mercer County Commissioner Ken Ammann, who’s a public notary, will be on hand to notarize petitions.

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