As a former Pike County commissioner for six years and a lifelong Pike County resident until two years ago, it is apparent to me that Tony Waldron is the clear choice for Pike County Commissioner. Knowledge about the role of local government matters. Experience matters. Here are just a few examples of Tony’s experience and accomplishments:
- He has practiced law for 42 years, specializing in local government and land use law. This is particularly relevant given the misinformation out there about the role of the county commissioners in land use/development approvals;
- He has represented the Wallenpaupack School District for over 20 years;
- He represented the Westfall Sewer Authority for nearly 20 years;
- He campaigned for and helped establish the Pike Scenic Rural Character Preservation Program and was a founding board member;
- Along with the other commissioners, he has partnered with Northwell Health Systems to soon open two urgent care centers in the county and a major NEPA Health System to establish a community hospital;
- The commissioners are establishing a transportation hub in Milford Borough to better serve seniors and persons with disabilities.
On a more personal note, Tony is now in his 43rd year of successful sobriety recovery. He truly understands the importance of providing mental health and drug and alcohol treatment to Pike County residents. The commissioners, together with the commissioners of Monroe and Carbon counties, oversee the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission and the Mental Health and Developmental Services program. No one is more qualified and knowledgeable than Tony to act in that capacity.
These are not abstract accomplishments to me. I have personally known Tony for 40 years and I have first-hand knowledge of his dedication to the community. Moreover, and more importantly, he is one of the most honest and trustworthy people I have ever met. It seems to me in this day and age that characteristic is more important than anything.
I note in a recent letter to the editor that the writer stated the current commissioners seemed too focused on “paper pushing duties.” Do the accomplishments listed above seem like paper pushing? Moreover, that way of looking at the duties of the commissioners is all too prevalent and misguided. County commissioners are required by law to provide certain services to the community and to make sure that they are properly staffed and funded. They have to make sure employees are fairly paid and have adequate benefits. They have to negotiate union contracts. They have to formulate a budget each year on a department by department basis — a task, which I can tell you from personal experience, can be daunting. They have to participate as members of the Prison Board in running a correctional facility. They have to deal with personnel issues on a nearly daily basis. The list goes on and on. In short, they have to govern. Those duties may seem like “paper pushing” to some, but they are time consuming, important, and often difficult. They require knowledge, dedication and experience — qualities Tony Waldron possesses in great measure.
Steve Guccini
Bethany