On Zalar's behalf, retiring Belfanti takes early shots Masser defends against criticisms

SHAMOKIN - In a five-minute speech at his campaign kickoff for state legislator, Democrat George Zalar stuck to the issues: jobs, community revitalization and not forgetting his roots.

While he stayed clear of any politicking against potential opponents, the man he hopes to succeed surely didn't.

State Rep. Robert E. Belfanti Jr., along with praising Zalar and reinforcing an endorsement he announced last week, threw several strong barbs at Republican Kurt Masser, the current Northumberland County commissioner who, like Zalar, announced his plans Wednesday to seek Belfanti's seat in the 107th Legislative District. The Mount Carmel lawmaker will retire at the end of 2010 after 30 years.

"He wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth," Belfanti said about Zalar before a gathering of about 65 family, friends and supporters Saturday evening at the new Knights of Columbus building in downtown Shamokin.

Belfanti said Masser's father was a Democrat and former supporter, but that his son has concerned himself with representing business people and profits rather than the working man, like Zalar.

Reached later Saturday for a response to the criticisms, Masser said, "Anyone who knows my family knows better."

He was told of specifics on the criticisms leveled by Belfanti, but said he'd address those later in the campaign.

Standing 'O' for Belfanti

Belfanti strode to the podium to a standing ovation and spoke for 20 minutes about how health problems led to his decision to retire, which he announced on Tuesday.

He said doctors told him "time and time again" to resign so he could rest and focus on physical therapy for extensive problems with his legs, feet and back. During his bout last year with acute pneumonia, he recalled lying in the hospital wondering who he could count on to "pick up the flag and continue my work."

In addition to Zalar, who had impressed him during the effort in securing Reinhart FoodService as the anchor tenant for the Coal Township-SEEDCO Industrial Park, he said his top aides, Ron Tanney and Fran Filarski - both in attendance Saturday - had done exceptional work, too. But he believes, in the end, only Zalar can satisfy all three criteria to fight off a tough battle with Republicans: Do a good job, raise enough money and win the election.

It was on the Reinhart issue that Belfanti took another jab at Masser, saying he was part of the majority party in county government that almost allowed the project to collapse until Coal Township - and Zalar - rescued it.

In talking about Masser, Belfanti said he "tried to chase an industry so Bob Belfanti wouldn't have a feather in his cap."

Belfanti gives $2,500

Belfanti ended his remarks by handing a $2,500 check to Zalar, and challenged those in the audience to give what they could.

Zalar was appreciative of the outpouring of support and Belfanti's endorsement.

"It is great that he came out," he said. "As I sat back and thought about running, I looked at his career and thought about how you manage to get re-elected for 29 years," Zalar said. "Then it dawned on me: it was because he never forgot his roots, because that is what we were taught; and that's what I'm going to do."

Zalar said he wants to continue Belfanti's mission of creating family sustaining jobs with good benefits.

"I've seen the problems that local governments have as well, so I will try to help them as much as I can with revitalization, and I will do what I can to help move forward social programs for the elderly and our veterans," he said.

He said the first step is to officially get on the ballot, and then work to earn the nomination.

"People who know me know that I am vocal person, and if someone has a question, I will give them all the time in the world to talk about it," he said. "I thank you all for coming out, and now let's get ready to work."

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