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OUR CANDIDATES
Carolyn Carluccio
Candidate for Supreme Court
PA GOP endorsed.
Harry Smail Jr.
Candidate for Superior Court
PA GOP endorsed.
Maria Battista
Candidate for Superior Court
PA GOP endorsed.
Megan Martin
Candidate for Commonwealth Court
PA GOP endorsed.
David Parker
Candidate for County Commissioner
David Parker was born and raised in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Messiah College with a degree in Business Administration, where he was a member of the student senate. After working three years at Castles Lumber in Carlisle, PA, David joined the family business, Cramer’s Home Building Centers, which was started by his Great Grandfather, R.C. Cramer in 1915. For 27 years, David served in various positions including: salesperson, assistant store manager, buyer, Director of Human Resources and most recently store manager at Cramer’s in Pocono Summit. The company was sold in June 2022. David currently works at Walmart Distribution in Tobyhanna.
In November 2014, David was elected State Representative of the newly created 115th legislative district in Monroe County. He got right to work on School Property taxes and by May 2015, helped pass HB504 which would have reduced school property taxes in Monroe County by 40% for the average homeowner. Unfortunately, the bill was not voted on in the State Senate. When special interests and other lawmakers sought to disproportionately allocate new school funding to other parts of the State, David stood up for Monroe County and successfully fought to get more money for our schools using the new formula. There is still work to be done to get equity in school funding and David lead the charge with legislation (HB2111) and budget amendments. In addition to his efforts on school taxes and funding, David also authored Redistricting Reform Legislation (HB1835) in the House of Representatives which was supported by The League of Women Voters, The Commonwealth Foundation and www.FairDistrictsPA.com .
An active member of the community, David is a long-time member of the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce, where he served as Chairman of the Human Resources Committee. He sits on the Advisory Board of the East Stroudsburg Salvation Army where he chaired the Property Committee and served on the Annual Christmas Kettle Campaign Committee. He is a member of the Deacon Board at First Baptist Church in East Stroudsburg and has served as an usher, youth leader, Sunday School teacher and Chairman of the Missions Committee. David founded the Pocono Toastmasters Club, an organization committed to helping people become better speakers and leaders, which served the area from 2000-2020. He has also served on the Pocono Builders Association Board of Directors, Monroe County Habitat for Humanity Construction Committee and Monroe County Technical Institute. Occupational Advisory Committee – Building Trades.
David and his wife Amanda reside in Stroud Township and have five daughters Ashley, Maria, Lia, Gabriella, and Isabelle.
Contact information:
Phone:570-656-9232
Email: dparker18301@gmail.com
Website: www.parker4commish.com
Christine A Wilkins
Candidate for County Commissioner
Christine, 52, has lived in Monroe County for nearly five decades. Born on Plattsburg Air Force Base, she moved to Stroudsburg at the age of 5. She is a graduate of Stroudsburg High School and Pocono Real Estate Academy where she earned her Broker’s License. She is an experienced and successful businesswoman who owns and operates Better Homes and Gardens Wilkins & Assoc. with her husband, Thomas R. Wilkins. She is a mother of a thirteen year old son and stepmother of two.
For the past nine years, Wilkins has served her neighbors as an elected Supervisor in Stroud Township, currently serving as Chariwoman of the Board. Wilkins has been standing up for the concerns of nearly 20,000 residents and dealing with issues ranging from budgeting to public safety to infrastructure. Wilkins’ work as a supervisor has earned her the respect of her peers across the county who named her the Vice President of the Pocono Mountains Council of Governments that brings together local officials from municipalities across the county to solve multi-jurisdictional problems.
“My work on the Council of Governments has provided me with a unique understanding of the issues facing every corner of Monroe County and the working relationships with local officials that will allow me to begin on day one pushing the commonsense solutions needed to address those issues,” Wilkins said.
Wilkins has always worked with “open door policies” and is always open to communication. Wilkins is an effective Team Leader and is extremely effective in bringing people together to accomplish goals.
Deeply committed to improving our community, Christine is well-known across Monroe County for her volunteer and philanthropic activities. She has given her time and effort to numerous local non-profits and associations, including serving with the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, the Day Street Advisory Board, the Pocono Mountains Association of Realtors. She is currently serving Women’s Resources of Monroe County, East Stroudsburg Little League, and Kettle Creek Environmental Fund. She has also assisted in events for Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, The American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, United Way, and various Food Banks in Monroe County.
A strong conservative, Christine believes in limited government, fiscal responsility and the preservation of our Constitutional Rights and freedoms. It is this mindset she will bring to county government as she works to help taxpayers, grow our economy, and protect the unique and special quality of life we enjoy here in Monroe County.
Christine A Wilkins
Website: christine4monroe.com
Email: christine4monroe@gmail.com
Direct phone: 570-977-8677
Address: Friends of Christine A Wilkins
PO Box 16
Analomink, Pa 18320
Alexander Marek
Candidate for County District Attorney
Alex Marek grew up in a small town in Northern Michigan but has been a resident of Monroe County Pennsylvania for the last nine years. Alex, along with his wife, Kristin, and children moved to Pennsylvania when Kristin accepted a position at St. Luke’s Family Practice in Brodheadsville. Prior to moving to Pennsylvania Alex served as a federal criminal investigator with the United States Postal Inspection Service and as a Federal Air Marshal with the United States Federal Air Marshal Service.
Alex’s educational background consists of a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Alma College (Alma, MI), a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Ferris State University (Big Rapids, MI), and a Juris Doctorate degree from Western Michigan University-Thomas M. Cooley Law School (Lansing, MI).
Alex has a broad range of experience. Alex began his law enforcement career in 1999 as a Public Safety Officer at a small municipality in Michigan. His duties entailed police both police patrol and firefighting. Alex also served in the United States Army and received an Honorable Discharge for his military service. Alex has also been employed as a police officer with the City of York (PA) and served as a law clerk for the Honorable Judge Jon Mark at the Monroe County (PA) Court of Common Pleas.
Alex has been a licensed attorney since 2007. Alex first acquired his bar license in the State of Michigan in May of 2007 and later became licensed with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 2016. Alex is also registered as a licensed patent attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Alex has worked the last several years practicing law as a solo practitioner while serving as a part-time detective with the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Alex also coached little league baseball with Stroudsburg Little League along with coaching Football and Baseball at Stroudsburg Highschool.
In June 2021 Alex accepted a full-time detective position with the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office before transitioning to the position of Assistant District Attorney in June 2022 with the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office where he is presently employed.
Alex possesses a wealth of knowledge from approximately twenty years of law enforcement and legal practice at both the state and federal levels. The combination of his extensive experience, in conjunction with Alex’s educational background, along with his lead by example demeanor utilizing the tenets of honesty, integrity, and fairness, makes Alex the ideal choice to be the next District Attorney for Monroe County.
Phone: 570-977-0847
E-mail: alexmarekforda@gmail.com
Website: Alex Marek for District Attorney
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Alex-Marek-for-District-Attorney/100089782843416/
Sheriff Ken Morris
Candidate for County Sheriff
Sheriff Ken Morris, a native of Monroe County and graduate of Pocono Mountain High School, is seeking your support for re-election as your Sheriff. Sheriff Morris has dedicated half of his life to protecting and serving our community and the county, as a whole
• 2002- Enlisted into the United States Marine Corps & served 8 years
• 2010- Obtained Act 120 Certification from Allentown Police Academy
• 2011- Hired by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office & obtained his Act 2 certification through the Pennsylvania Sheriff & Deputy Training Program at Penn State University, became the TASER and OC instructor (pepper spray), gained knowledge and experience in grant funding & worked with the Monroe County Commissioners to obtain necessary equipment for the office
• 2016- Promoted to Corporal/Field Training Officer, became responsible for hiring and training all new deputies as well as providing continuing education for the entire office
• 2018- Promoted to Sergeant & executed the day-today operations of the office handed down by the Chief Deputy
• 2020- Sworn in as Sheriff of Monroe County
Accomplishments as Current Sheriff of Monroe County: Immediately after being sworn in, Sheriff Morris went right to work. A few of his accomplishments are as follows:
• Cut nearly $140,000.00 from the yearly budget to obtain long and overdue raises for all staff & make the office more efficient. This included combining positions & going paperless where practical.
• Upgraded antiquated technology & equipment • Found creative ways to fund innovation such as acquiring a thermal imaging drone by a combination of grant money & donation
• Held firearms auction for federally licensed personnel, netting more than $23,000 earmarked for training & equipment • Provides additional assistance to all local law enforcement agencies • Enhanced all security measure & protocols in high level cases
• Involved with planning & design of the new courthouse, offices, cells, elevators, intake, holding areas, & technology to ensure the completed project will meet the highest standards of safety and protection
• Started weekly inmate work details to clean Monroe County roads • Established duty to intervene & de-escalation training and techniques for the Deputies
• Re-established Deputies on the Monroe County Drug Task Force
• Streamlined the Firearms Division & added the ability for citizens to apply for their License to Carry, online
• Moved all Real Estate auctions to an online platform to improve workflow & the availability of information to the public through our county website & increased revenue given to the county general fund & lowered blight, due to more people having access to the bidding process
• Donated nearly $40,000.00 to local Monroe County charities & organizations
• Assigns Deputy’s to deliver meals for “Meals on Wheels” when they are shorthanded
• Partnered with Toys for Tots to deliver gifts to Monroe County children
• Assists with the Thanksgiving Basket Initiative, annually feeding over 200 Monroe County residents in need, for the holidays
• Always makes himself available to participate in charity events & the community in general
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ReElectSheriffMorris?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Marlo Merhige
Candidate for County Controller
Marlo started at the County in 1997 as the Deputy Controller. She got elected as Controller in 2001 during a Special Election.
As this position is not poltical in the day to day functions, her 20+ years of knowledge, leadership skills and experience are invaluable to the County's future operations.
Marlo years of public auditing experience make her highly qualified to handle the complex accounting, auditing, payroll and pension issues that arise with this position.
Taxpayers cannot afford someone with no experience in this crucial County office.
The Controller pays all the bills for the County, weekly. There are hundreds of bills which are reviewed for accuracy and necessity.
These same bills are posted to the County's internet site, allowing for total transparency.
The Controller oversees 40+ departments in the County and monitors all the revenue collections. It is the job of the Controller to designate where all of this revenue
gets posted to. There are hundreds of accounts in the County's financial system, and it is the Controller's responsibility to maintain the integrity of this financial system.
The Controller processes payroll for over 700 employees represented by 6 different unions. A few years ago, the County went to a time and attendance
system, which has helped to alleviate the unnecessary paper. Employees punch in on their computers and use a thumbprint scan.
The Controller conducts various audits on a yearly basis. The required audits include the 9 District Justice audits, 20 Tax Collector audits, the District
Attorney's Drug Forfeiture audit and a yearly financial audit that is due to the State. In addition to these audits are 3 jail accounts and various hotels/BnB's
for the 3% tax they need to collect and remit to the County. Other County audits are conducted at the Controller's discretion.
The Controller works with all grant agencies (ie. C&Y, Aging, Career Link, etc) to ensure that the reports they submit to the State quarterly, agree with the County's
financial system (lots of reconciling included here to make things balance). The end result of this work is preparing the Schedule of Federal Awards for the County auditors.
The Controller serves on the Retirement Board, Salary Board and Prison Board.
As Secretary of the Retirement Board, the Controller processes all pension payments as employees leave the County. The Retirement Board manages a $125 million
Fund and makes changes to the Fund's investment allocations as deemed necessary. In 2012 the Controller was instrumental in bringing in a new consultant/manager
and the Fund grew from $50+ million to its current value of $125 million.
Controller Merhige continues to improve and streamline the work of her department. Going more and more paperless over the years has helped to manage the daily
process. Invoices, revenue documentation and payroll are just a few items that have been updated to paperless. All changes for going paperless must follow the Retention Law.
As the Controller works with a $180 million budget, this is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. This job requires an accountant with experience and knowledge
of the huge undertaking in managing the County's accounting system. If the County's financial system fails, taxes will go up. Marlo operates the Controller's Office independent of politics.
Marlo graduated Cum Laude from Misericordia University with a BS in Accounting. Prior to working at the County, she spent two years with a public accounting firm where she
learned all aspects of auditing.
Marlo has been acknowledged professionally at the State level having served as President of the Pa State Association of County Controllers from 2021-2022.
She was also one of four Controllers selected by State Auditor Tim DeFoor for his transition team when elected in 2020.
Marlo and her Team continue to advance the County's accounting system and their excellence has been proven through yearly County audits. As an active member
of the Controller Association, she continues to work with state and local officials to make Monroe County's financial system one of the best in the State.
Marlo lives in Cresco with her husband Steve. They have one daughter, Alexis, who is pursuing her Master's Degree at West Chester University for Criminal Justice.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarloforMonroe/
Email: Merhige@ptd.net
570-977-3976
Web page coming shortly
Josephine Ferro
Candidate for County Register of Wills/Recorder of Deeds
Josephine Ferro is currently the Register of Wills and Recorder of Deeds for Monroe County. Mrs. Ferro joined the office in 2010, first serving as a Clerk and Deputy Register of Wills. In her position, she ensures the accurate processing of public records pertaining to estates and realty transfers, manages queries and requests from the county’s citizens and legal offices. In her time with the County Mrs. Ferro led the revision and implementation of numerous business procedures to improve the efficiency of the Office’s operations and the quality of its service. Her oversight has included updating the electronic platforms and systems upon which the Office processes its documents.
Prior to joining the Register of Wills Office, Mrs. Ferro spent 34 years in the private business sector as a manager and consultant. Her earliest professional experiences included serving as the Chief Operating Officer for a private trucking company. Eventually, Mrs. Ferro applied her business acumen and management skills to the medical sector, where she negotiated contracts for providers and services; oversaw the implementation of billing and accounting platforms; and established specialty business units within a hospital setting.
Perhaps most impressively, Mrs. Ferro remains continuously active in community, church, civic, and local and national political efforts. She has held elected and leadership positions at various organizations including Presidency for multiple terms with the Monroe Council of Republican Women. Her 30 years of work with the Rotary of the Smithfields includes serving as Secretary for two terms, President for two terms and on the Fundraising, Scholarship & RYLA Committees. Mrs. Ferro assists in instituting and executing major, annual fundraising events and various fundraising activities, as well as implements the policies and procedures for securing scholarship funds. She led the Parish Council of the Church of St. John for more than ten years and has served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and member of the Rebuild Committee. Josephine currently worships at St. Matthew’s Church in East Stroudsburg and serves as a Lector.
For 34 years, Mrs. Ferro has lived in East Stroudsburg, PA, where she and her husband raised four children and are now enjoying the company of nine grandchildren.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JosephineFerroRandR
George Warden
Candidate for County Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts
George Warden has served as Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts since 2000. He is a past chairman of the Monroe County Republican Committee
Rich White
Candidate for District Judge 43-4-04
Norman A. Burger
Candidate for Pleasant Valley School Board (2 Year)
Robert Clark
Candidate for Pleasant Valley School Board (4 Year)
Ryan O Keefe
Candidate for Pleasant Valley School Board (4 Year)
John Gesiskie
Candidate for Pleasant Valley School Board (4 Year)
Matthew Walters
Candidate for Pleasant Valley School Board (4 Year)
Cindy Blake
Candidate for Stroudsburg School Board (4 Year)
My name is Cindy Blake. I am a lifelong resident of Stroudsburg. My husband and both children are graduates of Stroudsburg High School. I am a graduate of East Stroudsburg High School. I am an experienced School Board member. I’m well versed in policy and understand the Sunshine Law. I have worked with children for over 25 years and still do to this day. I served on the joint operation board of MCTI. I also served on multiple school board committees. I volunteer my time to many community service events, school sports and functions. I pride myself in being actively involved in our school district. I will work to represent all students, staff and community members.
One of the biggest problems our district faces today is the lack of fair state funding. We need to hold our state leaders feet to the fire to ensure our district gets the proper funding it needs to address the multiple issues in our schools. Fair funding can be allocated to increase school safety. Our children and staff deserve to feel safe in their learning environment to yield the best possible outcome regarding educational success. Increased state funding would also stave off the challenges we face in technology. We need to continually keep up with the changes to compete in today’s world. Charter school reform is a must. School districts and taxpayers are overpaying for costs the charters do not have. We have to maintain the critical services we offer our students. Mental health is a growing concern that must be addressed. We should always welcome parents in a positive light. Students whose parents stay involved in our school tend to have better educational outcomes.
Pre-K Teacher
1039 Dreher Ave
Stroudsburg, PA, 18360
cindylouuwho@yahoo.com
5707307148
Graduate East Stroudsburg High School, Attended ESU, ongoing professional development training yearly through PA Keys
I can be found on Face Book @ Cindy Blake School Board
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cindyblake01
Christopher E. Gehm
Candidate for Stroudsburg School Board (4 Year)
Stephen Watto
Candidate for Pocono Mountain 1 School Board (4 Year)
Rusty Johnson
Candidate for Pocono Mountain 2 School Board (4 Year)
Lisa Van Why
Candidate for East Stroudsburg School Board (4 Year)
Debbie Kulick
Candidate for East Stroudsburg School Board (4 Year)
Keith Karkut
Candidate for East Stroudsburg School Board (4 Year)
Kerri Manning-Freeo
Candidate for Stroudsburg Borough Mayor
Website: http://manningformayor21.com/
Mike Velardi
Candidate for Pocono Township Commissioner
I was born into a family that knew the value of hard work. My father was a union plumber and my mother a factory worker.
They instilled in me important values and modeled the importance of old-fashioned common sense in the real world.
Throughout my career, I have worked as a mechanic, heavy equipment operator, truck driver, painter and electrician.
I now work as an electrical inspector serving ten municipalities in New Jersey.
I hold licenses in electrical inspection, hotel and multiple dwelling inspection and as a construction official for the state of New Jersey.
I'm also licensed in Pennsylvania for electrical inspection.
My varied careers have given me the experience to lead our Township.
Almost 30 years ago, on a blind date, I met the woman who would become my best friend - my wife, Sue.
Together we have two children who we raised in Pocono Township and they both graduated from Pocono Mountain. My daughter Melissa is now a STEM
teacher and my son Matthew recently graduated from Lycoming College with multiple degrees and is pursuing his Physics PhD at Drexel.
My older daughter, Dawn, lives in New
Jersey with my grandson AJ and she is also in education.
Email: mike4poconogop@gmail.com