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George Rozinskie the new mayor of Shamokin
Published: November 4, 2009
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STRAUSSER
SNYDER
MILBRAND
SHAMOKIN - In a decisive victory, Councilman George Rozinskie Jr. has been elected city mayor.
In Tuesday night's unofficial tally, Rozinskie was reported to have earned 584 votes (55.67 percent), while opponent Betsy Richardson received 452 votes (43.09 percent). Both Rozinskie and Richardson currently serve on city council.
"I'm very proud. I want to move the city forward," Rozinskie said during a celebration at the Independence Fire Company in Shamokin Tuesday night.
"I want to see many accomplishments made in the city. I am a very happy person right now," he added.
'Full-time mayor'
Rozinskie, 74, maintained throughout his campaign that, if elected, he would be a "full-time mayor," and would be at city hall every day.
"I think the people got the right person. I am working for the city," he said Tuesday.
Richardson was appointed to council in January to fill the term of Garth Hall, who resigned. Her term will expire this year.
A U.S. Navy veteran, Rozinskie defeated longtime Councilman R. Craig Rhoades in the primary election by 32 votes. Current Mayor Ronald "Lum" Bradley did not seek re-election.
Rivaling views
Rozinskie has been on city council for the past four years. Concerned over a growing deficit that had reached $2.7 million by the end of 2007, the city in January 2008 applied for Pennsylvania Economy League's (PEL) early intervention program to avoid bankruptcy.
A subsequent report from PEL in August 2008 projected the deficit would grow to $5.7 million by the end of 2012 if the city didn't take action.
Rozinskie has maintained that the city would emerge from its financial hole. He also said the city has been chipping away at its debt but cannot afford to cut police officers, a suggestion made by rival Richardson.
In another point of contention between the two contenders, Rozinskie has fought to keep the Lawton W. Shroyer Memorial Swimming Pool open, despite financial concerns expressed by Richardson.
City council results
Political newcomer and former Shamokin Fire Bureau Chief William D. Milbrand, a Democrat, defeated Republican Barry W. Weikel to win a two-year city council seat.
Milbrand pulled in 611 votes (59.78 percent), and Weikel earned 409 votes (40.02 percent.) Weikel lost 2007's election to Hall.
Councilman Michael Snyder and city controller William Strausser each attained four-year council seats, filling two open positions.
Snyder, a Democrat, received 589 votes (47.04 percent). Strausser earned 654 votes (52.24 percent).
Because Strausser won a seat on council; he will no longer serve as city controller. Newcomer Gary Haddock, a Republican, earned that position Tuesday. Haddock, who ran uncontested, received 750 votes.
Democrat Brenda Scandle received 852 votes (99.65 percent) and was elected city treasurer. Scandle is the current treasurer, a position to which she was appointed.
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