3. The most pressing issue for the taxpayers and the county right now is the double-digit increase in property taxes in the past few years. THE CURRENT LEVEL OF COUNTY SPENDING MUST BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. Retirees and working families whose Social Security and salaries are increasing at 3-4 percent per year cannot afford the dramatic tax increases they have been subject to over the past few years. A vote for me is a vote against double-digit tax increases in the future. I'll hold the line on future tax increases and bring a new perspective to the budget process.
Robert L. Thomas
Age: 52
Address: 171 Lincoln Road, Chambersburg, Pa.
Party: Republican
Employment: Franklin County Commissioner
1. I desire to continue as commissioner for many reasons. First and foremost is my desire to serve the residents of our county and insure it remains a quality place to live and work. Also, with at least two new commissioners starting January 2008, my experience is necessary to insure a smooth transition. I have strived to make Franklin County a better community most of my adult life going back to my radio days at WCHA, WIKZ and the former WKSL. Being Franklin County Commissioner for almost 12 years has given me a clear opportunity to extend this public service.
2. I am uniquely qualified to be Franklin County Commissioner based on my experience, accomplishments and vision. I will focus on experience - 12 years on the job as county commissioner and graduate of the County Commissioner's Association Academy for Excellence, two years Chambersburg Borough Council, 14 years on the 21st Century Partnership, five years president of the Franklin County Council of Governments and over 20 years in local radio. I know the entire county very well and have always kept close to our citizens. But perhaps my greatest qualification for the job: I care.
3. The most important issue for the county is growth management. However, it is important to note that the County Code gives no authority to counties regarding land use issues. What the county can do is what we have done: Hold land use forums with nationally renowned experts to assist townships with growth challenges, expand the Farmland Preservation program and encourage more municipalities to join the effort, improve communications and cooperation between the county's 22 municipalities by creation of the Franklin County Council of Governments and via COG, lobby Harrisburg for tools to help. Under my leadership, these programs and efforts will continue.
James C. Zeger
Age: 61
Address: 40 Church St., Mercersburg, Pa.
Party: Democrat
Employment: Teacher Supervisor/Maryland Correctional Institution-Hagerstown
1. For 38 years, I have been working to improve the lives of others. My professional vocation has been to teach high school math to incarcerated adult males at the Maryland Correctional Institution-Hagerstown. My volunteer service has been with the Easter Seals Society, United Way, Tuscarora Area Jaycees, Mercersburg Elementary P.T.O., Trinity UCC and the Mercersburg Lions Club. My elected service has been 22 years on the Tuscarora School Board and four years as Mayor of Mercersburg. God has blessed me with a beautiful family and a wonderful life. I want to continue giving something back to the community.
2. I have been a hardworking and dedicated leader in many service organizations and as an elected public official. As a member of the Tuscarora School Board, I worked with a multimillion dollar budget for 22 years. Presently, I serve with pride as Mayor of Mercersburg. In the 38 years that I have devoted my life to serving people, my biggest rewards have been when people thanked me for helping them with their problems. I believe commissioners are to help people and to try to improve the quality of life for all.
