1 00:00:01,350 --> 00:00:02,183 Starting now. 2 00:00:02,860 --> 00:00:07,070 Commonalities where guests find common ground through uncommon 3 00:00:07,100 --> 00:00:10,710 conversations, politics, religion, finances, 4 00:00:11,010 --> 00:00:14,390 all the topics your grandmother told you not to discuss with friends. 5 00:00:14,930 --> 00:00:17,350 And now your host, Matthew Dowling, 6 00:00:17,770 --> 00:00:20,390 and today's guests on commonalities. 7 00:00:26,780 --> 00:00:30,990 Good morning and welcome to Commonalities Today we are excited to introduce to 8 00:00:30,990 --> 00:00:33,350 you the candidates for public office, 9 00:00:33,730 --> 00:00:38,670 at least at the level of county here in Fayette. But before we get started, 10 00:00:38,870 --> 00:00:43,190 I wanna apologize for any audio issues that you might encounter. 11 00:00:43,500 --> 00:00:48,430 Rest assured we're working to hard to fix those uh items and to 12 00:00:48,430 --> 00:00:52,390 bring you the best possible Li listening experience in the future. 13 00:00:53,410 --> 00:00:57,150 The introductions you're about to hear were made at the Mountain Fellowship 14 00:00:57,150 --> 00:00:59,030 Center meet and greet last week. 15 00:00:59,630 --> 00:01:04,070 A special shout out to Courtney Fisher for helping to organize this event. 16 00:01:04,890 --> 00:01:06,510 Due to time constraints, 17 00:01:06,810 --> 00:01:10,270 we could not feature all the candidates running for local offices, 18 00:01:10,970 --> 00:01:15,870 but you can find a full video on my Facebook page from the event. 19 00:01:16,380 --> 00:01:20,910 Just search for Back Splash Matthew Dowling 20 00:01:21,090 --> 00:01:24,710 Public. Today is a special day, it's election day. 21 00:01:24,930 --> 00:01:29,790 Please remember to cast your vote between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM at 22 00:01:29,790 --> 00:01:32,510 your designated polling place. Finally, 23 00:01:32,630 --> 00:01:37,390 I wanna stress that appearances on this program did not imply endorsement by 24 00:01:37,810 --> 00:01:40,870 Wmb S Radio, commonalities myself, 25 00:01:41,570 --> 00:01:46,350 the Mountain Fellowship Center, today's sponsors, or any other organizations, 26 00:01:47,050 --> 00:01:50,390 we wanna thank all the candidates for putting their names on the ballot. 27 00:01:50,690 --> 00:01:54,870 It takes a lot of courage and we salute you for it. Now, 28 00:01:54,870 --> 00:01:56,870 without any other further ado, 29 00:01:57,490 --> 00:02:00,150 we listen to our candidates for public office. 30 00:02:01,520 --> 00:02:05,550 First of all, thank you. Mountain Fellowship Center and 31 00:02:35,520 --> 00:02:36,353 thank you. 32 00:02:47,100 --> 00:02:50,870 Okay, everybody, can you hear me okay? All right, thank you. Um, 33 00:02:51,880 --> 00:02:53,030 first of all, one more time. 34 00:02:53,120 --> 00:02:56,710 Thank you to Mountain Fellowship Center and to all of you coming out here 35 00:02:56,710 --> 00:02:58,510 tonight. My name is, uh, 36 00:02:58,510 --> 00:03:01,720 Timothy c Fay County Clerk of Courts, 37 00:03:02,220 --> 00:03:03,560 and I'm running for reelection. 38 00:03:04,620 --> 00:03:09,240 I'm a lifelong resident of Fay County and the reason I'm running is to 39 00:03:09,840 --> 00:03:10,440 continue the job. 40 00:03:10,440 --> 00:03:15,360 I started and take the clerk courts office to the next level in all 41 00:03:15,490 --> 00:03:20,120 areas with the help and support of my staff and my constituents. 42 00:03:22,570 --> 00:03:26,760 We've had phenomenal success so far in my 10 and a half years. 43 00:03:27,630 --> 00:03:29,320 Here are a few areas we excel. 44 00:03:31,980 --> 00:03:33,480 My office collected close to 45 00:03:35,110 --> 00:03:39,080 restitution this past year that will go directly to crime victims, 46 00:03:39,920 --> 00:03:41,240 a huge win for crime victims. 47 00:03:42,380 --> 00:03:46,760 We processed 90,000 criminal court cases for trial, 48 00:03:47,330 --> 00:03:49,880 which will contribute to expediting that process. 49 00:03:51,500 --> 00:03:54,360 We assisted the courts in exceeding that this, 50 00:03:54,910 --> 00:03:59,320 this position rate goal percent by processing documents in an 51 00:03:59,660 --> 00:04:00,493 manner. 52 00:04:01,580 --> 00:04:06,480 We cut office costs and came in under budget for the year by reducing 53 00:04:06,520 --> 00:04:09,880 expenses and generated new through 54 00:04:12,470 --> 00:04:16,340 proceed. We had a successful county audit, 55 00:04:18,920 --> 00:04:21,940 and number six, we had an exceptional state audit. 56 00:04:22,890 --> 00:04:25,820 This is from the Office of Audit. General Timothy, 57 00:04:26,950 --> 00:04:28,540 based on our audit procedures, 58 00:04:28,940 --> 00:04:32,340 conclude that county officer all significant respects, 59 00:04:32,740 --> 00:04:37,340 confided the state laws and regulations applicable to the collection of money on 60 00:04:37,340 --> 00:04:41,580 behalf of the Commonwealth, including whether they have been correctly assessed, 61 00:04:41,700 --> 00:04:44,860 reported and promptly committed. Total receipts, 62 00:04:45,960 --> 00:04:50,300 39,650 sixed the 63 00:04:50,500 --> 00:04:51,333 Commonwealth, 64 00:04:52,240 --> 00:04:56,340 and 3 million under 36 56, 65 00:04:57,120 --> 00:05:00,260 excuse me, million 656. 66 00:05:01,150 --> 00:05:03,380 Every dollar collected accounted. 67 00:05:08,840 --> 00:05:11,780 And I have my staff to thank for this. Unbelievable. 68 00:05:13,120 --> 00:05:15,780 I'm endorsed by Pennsylvania State Constable Association, 69 00:05:16,850 --> 00:05:21,740 thes uwa. And I was appointed chair the 70 00:05:23,470 --> 00:05:26,060 Clerk Association by President 71 00:05:28,170 --> 00:05:33,020 also on the so Army Advisory Board and Fayette County Crime 72 00:05:33,310 --> 00:05:37,500 Board. All absolutely. In conclusion is honor, represent, 73 00:05:39,810 --> 00:05:43,700 demonstrate for that's what all 74 00:05:44,410 --> 00:05:49,140 Icontinue honored represent you as County Clerk of Courts for four more years 75 00:05:49,600 --> 00:05:52,500 on May 16th, give to trial. Thank you 76 00:06:06,290 --> 00:06:07,123 Clerk court 77 00:06:10,100 --> 00:06:13,680 to full clerk court court, 78 00:06:14,700 --> 00:06:18,020 and in this county. And I asked their support. Thank you very much. 79 00:06:30,860 --> 00:06:34,790 Good evening and thank you for this opportunity. My name is Nina Koi. 80 00:06:34,790 --> 00:06:38,150 Fred Houser, and I am your chronic president. 81 00:06:38,550 --> 00:06:42,550 I have been in office since two 14 and I'm asking to 82 00:06:43,340 --> 00:06:48,150 support me in reelection in the primary to go into office for January of 83 00:06:48,150 --> 00:06:51,470 2024. For those of you that are not, 84 00:06:52,300 --> 00:06:54,710 whether what's duties entail, 85 00:06:55,710 --> 00:06:59,390 I am the Chief Clerk of the Civil Division of the Court of Common Police. 86 00:07:00,090 --> 00:07:02,910 My responsibility is recording all civil documents. 87 00:07:03,610 --> 00:07:07,690 I have the ability and the knowledge to perform every function in my office 88 00:07:07,780 --> 00:07:12,090 personally and I with my staff. Uh, 89 00:07:12,090 --> 00:07:16,890 some examples of what is filed in my office would be Murray foreclosure credit 90 00:07:16,890 --> 00:07:19,730 card debts, custody, divorce, protection for abuse. 91 00:07:20,500 --> 00:07:22,510 It's not really a fun office, but, um, 92 00:07:23,290 --> 00:07:27,390 one bright spot is that we process passports and I, 93 00:07:27,390 --> 00:07:28,990 along with my staff, uh, 94 00:07:28,990 --> 00:07:33,750 have the certification from the Department of State and we must complete that 95 00:07:33,750 --> 00:07:36,910 certification yearly. So if you venture into my office, 96 00:07:37,090 --> 00:07:39,190 it might be me that processes your passport. 97 00:07:39,660 --> 00:07:43,590 Many counties across the state that this continued processing passwords, 98 00:07:44,010 --> 00:07:47,230 but we still do because it does generate revenue for this county. 99 00:07:47,860 --> 00:07:51,040 And also awarded a, um, 100 00:07:51,290 --> 00:07:54,200 award for the Department of State for perfect passport process. 101 00:07:55,100 --> 00:07:56,320 During my years of service, 102 00:07:56,480 --> 00:08:00,960 I have engaged in numerous projects to keep the integrity of all records passed 103 00:08:01,100 --> 00:08:01,933 and 104 00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:08,000 presents my office 0.8 million scanned 105 00:08:08,060 --> 00:08:11,680 images as to date. This not only sustains the record, 106 00:08:12,140 --> 00:08:16,320 but additional source of revenue for the county by allowing purchase offsite 107 00:08:16,560 --> 00:08:17,393 scanning unit. 108 00:08:17,990 --> 00:08:22,760 This office generates approximately 25,000 yearly from 109 00:08:22,860 --> 00:08:24,640 our efforts and scanning for the county. 110 00:08:25,560 --> 00:08:29,580 My office also maintained strict compliance with the Pennsylvania Historical 111 00:08:29,720 --> 00:08:34,060 Museum Commissions rules and regulations. According to the guidelines, 112 00:08:34,880 --> 00:08:38,940 um, all archives must be stored in a PFA format, which we possess, 113 00:08:39,030 --> 00:08:41,300 which was necessary to costly. 114 00:08:41,680 --> 00:08:46,660 But from generating my office cause nothing to taxpayer, we do alumni program. 115 00:08:47,520 --> 00:08:47,760 Um, 116 00:08:47,760 --> 00:08:52,620 my office maintains and reconciles 28 court ordered and 117 00:08:53,460 --> 00:08:54,380 checking house. 118 00:08:55,080 --> 00:08:59,800 I like to acknowledge that my office just completed its third successfully 119 00:09:00,240 --> 00:09:02,240 complete clean opinion state audit, 120 00:09:02,570 --> 00:09:06,640 which means that all financial statements are presumed free from material 121 00:09:06,670 --> 00:09:08,560 misstatements. In closing, 122 00:09:09,200 --> 00:09:12,480 I have promised to be effective and efficient in one position as public servant 123 00:09:12,780 --> 00:09:17,240 and icontinue to do so, and I hope for your support. Thank you. 124 00:09:25,120 --> 00:09:28,380 I'd like to thank the Fellowship Association. Fabulous. Wonderful. 125 00:09:29,080 --> 00:09:33,620 My name is Jeff Redman. The property board actually were two offices. 126 00:09:34,520 --> 00:09:36,140 So a little bit of what we do. You say, 127 00:09:36,140 --> 00:09:39,500 what does the register wheels do when someone passes away? 128 00:09:39,560 --> 00:09:42,340 We collect inheritance tax, we do estate work. 129 00:09:42,420 --> 00:09:45,380 I have the power vaccinate a probate judge. 130 00:09:45,500 --> 00:09:48,020 I can issue a certificate to get into a bank account. 131 00:09:48,870 --> 00:09:51,650 We also on a clerk of orphans court side, 132 00:09:52,230 --> 00:09:55,330 we handled paperwork for guardian ships two years ago. 133 00:09:55,330 --> 00:09:57,250 They come out with the Guardian tracking system. 134 00:09:57,250 --> 00:09:59,410 If you know anybody's an incapacitated adult, 135 00:10:00,310 --> 00:10:03,530 but the person has take care of to submit reports their office, 136 00:10:03,950 --> 00:10:07,050 we review those offices. We also issued marriage license. 137 00:10:07,190 --> 00:10:11,130 So anybody it's given a ID that is still your marriage license. 138 00:10:11,240 --> 00:10:15,130 They just want certify copy your marriage license. So if you call the office, 139 00:10:15,130 --> 00:10:18,450 we have to go back and look at our records and then we'll pull your record out 140 00:10:18,450 --> 00:10:22,530 to make sure we'll gimme that form. We also collect on inheritance tax. 141 00:10:22,650 --> 00:10:26,250 I collect roughly between one and 2 million a month in inheritance tax in 142 00:10:26,250 --> 00:10:29,180 Fayette County last year in 67 counties. 143 00:10:29,810 --> 00:10:33,780 They collect a little over a billion dollars in inheritance tax that goes into 144 00:10:33,780 --> 00:10:36,380 the general fund. That's a fundamental to hear anything about, you know, 145 00:10:36,830 --> 00:10:39,490 so we're proposing to lower the inheritance tax. 146 00:10:39,900 --> 00:10:42,610 We're trying to get through the court again, but through the state Senate, 147 00:10:42,620 --> 00:10:47,410 we're shortly with the legislatures, but we probably know how that's gonna, 148 00:10:48,950 --> 00:10:52,250 but like I said, if you wanna to search genealogies every record, 149 00:10:52,250 --> 00:10:56,170 every your bottom office wills public information, you can give them off. 150 00:10:56,190 --> 00:10:58,530 You can research your ancestor throughs license. 151 00:10:59,150 --> 00:11:02,970 You can reserve to states to find out you know who paid what, what the deal. 152 00:11:02,990 --> 00:11:07,370 That's all public information. So you committee say look at something, 153 00:11:07,370 --> 00:11:10,730 we'll get the file for you. Like I said, every file that's ever been filed, 154 00:11:10,730 --> 00:11:14,210 the officer we save. So in closing, like I said, I'm asking you, 155 00:11:14,210 --> 00:11:16,170 I've been there for two times, this's, my seventh year. 156 00:11:16,970 --> 00:11:20,170 I learned something new every day cause change according totc, 157 00:11:20,170 --> 00:11:21,970 the court system changes rules every day. 158 00:11:22,430 --> 00:11:24,850 We continue to learn new rules and new ways to do things. 159 00:11:25,410 --> 00:11:29,290 I would be nothing without like said my wonderful staff. So asking, 160 00:11:29,390 --> 00:11:33,290 please vote for me next week on Tuesday for election and continue and vote for 161 00:11:33,290 --> 00:11:34,810 me to fall. Thank you very much. 162 00:11:41,900 --> 00:11:42,970 Thank you all for, 163 00:11:43,970 --> 00:11:47,810 I wanted to thank Fellowship Center for holding this event. Uh, 164 00:11:47,890 --> 00:11:51,770 I don't normally read everything, but since you got on limit, I gotta go quick. 165 00:11:52,470 --> 00:11:56,080 Um, I am in my first term as county commissioner. 166 00:11:56,140 --> 00:12:00,680 I'm seeking my second term and would appreciate your support in the first term. 167 00:12:00,830 --> 00:12:03,640 Some of the things that have happened in Fayette County. Uh, 168 00:12:03,640 --> 00:12:08,600 we successfully built in the new Fayette County Jail, uh, on time and on budget. 169 00:12:09,300 --> 00:12:12,320 Uh, we've got a broadband expansion here in the mountains. 170 00:12:12,490 --> 00:12:15,360 We've just completed our broadband study. Um, 171 00:12:15,380 --> 00:12:20,240 and we expect to apply for the next grant for broadband in the 172 00:12:20,320 --> 00:12:22,080 mountains by June 10th of this year. 173 00:12:22,220 --> 00:12:25,600 Course I think gonna get somebody next year. But, um, you know, 174 00:12:25,600 --> 00:12:26,720 that work is ongoing. 175 00:12:27,260 --> 00:12:31,680 I'm committed to building all infrastructure in Fayette County water, 176 00:12:32,100 --> 00:12:35,600 sewage, storm sewer, broadband. We have to, uh, 177 00:12:35,600 --> 00:12:40,240 really rebuild our county, uh, in our communities to, uh, 178 00:12:40,260 --> 00:12:42,080 to make ourselves strong. Um, 179 00:12:42,340 --> 00:12:46,960 we received a money in the opioids settlement, uh, 180 00:12:46,960 --> 00:12:51,240 that reduced treatment, education and recovery in Fayette County. 181 00:12:51,740 --> 00:12:56,280 And I'm very proud of that, uh, program. We're actually gonna target, uh, 182 00:12:56,720 --> 00:13:00,280 specific populations that really need the, uh, 183 00:13:00,310 --> 00:13:05,080 that health rather than this cast big shadow over Fayette County. Uh, 184 00:13:05,180 --> 00:13:08,400 I'm a champion of tourism. Uh, I promote, uh, 185 00:13:08,840 --> 00:13:11,920 existing tourism as well as, um, 186 00:13:13,040 --> 00:13:14,880 proposed new tourism assets, 187 00:13:14,970 --> 00:13:19,000 which I'm trying to build and boost all of our tourisms in Fayette County. 188 00:13:19,520 --> 00:13:22,800 I work with developers and business owners to bring new business in Fayette 189 00:13:22,800 --> 00:13:26,360 County and to expand existing businesses in Fay County. 190 00:13:26,630 --> 00:13:29,000 That includes outreach in Pittsburgh, 191 00:13:29,490 --> 00:13:31,720 Morgantown all over this region. 192 00:13:32,000 --> 00:13:35,440 I go off to whoever I have to talk to businesses, nonprofits, 193 00:13:35,830 --> 00:13:39,680 foundations to try to bring them to Pittsburgh or bring, uh, 194 00:13:39,710 --> 00:13:42,960 outside money into, uh, Fayette County. 195 00:13:42,960 --> 00:13:45,960 And that's through the grant seeking process. Um, 196 00:13:47,440 --> 00:13:52,010 I also did two, uh, three things. I have, uh, 197 00:13:52,190 --> 00:13:54,930 one profit and grant municipal grant workshops, 198 00:13:55,390 --> 00:14:00,370 and we are holding our sixth agricultural roundtable, May 23rd, 10 30. 199 00:14:01,250 --> 00:14:04,890 Building in the speaker will be Secretary of Agriculture in the state of 200 00:14:04,890 --> 00:14:09,250 Pennsylvania, Russell Redding. That's the brief, the brief version of, 201 00:14:09,430 --> 00:14:12,370 of my first three years as commissioner. I would, uh, 202 00:14:12,370 --> 00:14:14,370 appreciate four more years and I thank you very. 203 00:14:21,380 --> 00:14:25,970 Hello. Id to thank the Mountain Fellowship Center for, you know, 204 00:14:26,110 --> 00:14:30,890 having this, inviting me for this event. Uh, this is my first go around, uh, 205 00:14:30,890 --> 00:14:34,410 trying to get a in county politics. I'm running for county commissioner. 206 00:14:34,950 --> 00:14:37,410 My name is Chino Gall. I'm 53 years old. 207 00:14:38,070 --> 00:14:43,010 I'm in Collins and I'm running for two main reasons. 208 00:14:43,740 --> 00:14:47,600 I'm concerned about taxes. That's the main thing I'm running for. 209 00:14:47,600 --> 00:14:50,520 I keep our taxes low and I'm worried about our, 210 00:14:51,400 --> 00:14:55,200 I want to create programs and encourage things like this center. Uh, 211 00:14:55,200 --> 00:14:58,000 we gotta catch these kids before they end up in the county jail. 212 00:14:58,620 --> 00:15:03,060 And our best and brightest, we gotta keep it here. So that's just a quick, 213 00:15:03,060 --> 00:15:05,740 and since I only have two minutes, but check me out 214 00:15:07,760 --> 00:15:12,300 all folks over the next couple of months and, um, 215 00:15:12,600 --> 00:15:14,860 please vote. And I appreciate your support, 216 00:15:20,370 --> 00:15:22,860 both folks. Thanks for having me. My name is, 217 00:15:24,340 --> 00:15:29,140 I humbly ask your support for county commissioner on current, 218 00:15:29,300 --> 00:15:31,460 currently a Spring Hill township supervisor. 219 00:15:32,080 --> 00:15:35,780 And the main reason I'm running for county commissioner through my experience at 220 00:15:35,780 --> 00:15:37,860 the township. Um, 221 00:15:39,480 --> 00:15:41,780 infrastructure is a big issue in Fay County. 222 00:15:42,480 --> 00:15:44,900 We have three water authorities in Spring Hill Township. 223 00:15:45,320 --> 00:15:50,060 All three of them are in dire need to be rebuilt with waterline, uh, 224 00:15:50,140 --> 00:15:52,740 upgrades and water plant. Um, 225 00:15:53,330 --> 00:15:55,540 basically it needs rebuilt. 226 00:15:55,960 --> 00:15:59,900 Lot of these upgrades should happened 20 or 30 years ago. However, 227 00:16:00,160 --> 00:16:04,580 my vision for the county is, is completely different from your, 228 00:16:04,580 --> 00:16:09,180 from your current county commissioners. When we rebuild this infrastructure, 229 00:16:09,320 --> 00:16:13,500 we have to make sure we retain our characteristics of our county 230 00:16:14,560 --> 00:16:19,340 as mountain people. You all know how near and dear your lifestyle is, 231 00:16:19,610 --> 00:16:23,260 your wide open spaces and, and, and you know, 232 00:16:23,260 --> 00:16:27,140 just the fact that the history that, that runs through these hills. 233 00:16:27,890 --> 00:16:30,540 When I drove up over the mountain, just to think that the greatest, 234 00:16:31,080 --> 00:16:35,460 one of the greatest people in the history of this world started a world war. 235 00:16:36,190 --> 00:16:40,020 World War I by itself, right here in our backyard, is just, 236 00:16:40,020 --> 00:16:41,740 that just amazes me. 237 00:16:42,970 --> 00:16:47,430 My vision to re to retain our farm land and our wide open spaces, 238 00:16:48,130 --> 00:16:51,910 it has to be done carefully. Too many times these, 239 00:16:51,920 --> 00:16:55,710 these decisions are rushed through millions of dollars, 240 00:16:56,290 --> 00:16:57,123 big projects, 241 00:16:57,770 --> 00:17:02,070 and too often an experience that I've felt as a SpringHill Township supervisor. 242 00:17:02,610 --> 00:17:05,230 The deals are made before we about it. 243 00:17:06,610 --> 00:17:10,430 As a township supervisor, too many times a deal was made. 244 00:17:11,530 --> 00:17:15,630 My residents and me as a leader for my residents, we never had a voice. 245 00:17:16,130 --> 00:17:19,590 We never got a say to have a better deal for my people. 246 00:17:20,220 --> 00:17:24,990 That is why I'm running for county commissioner to protect you all. 247 00:17:25,410 --> 00:17:29,830 Let me be your voice. Let me fight for you. If I don't make the primary, 248 00:17:30,050 --> 00:17:31,590 I'm not going away. The line is, 249 00:17:31,690 --> 00:17:35,230 has awn and you will hear from me again. 250 00:17:35,690 --> 00:17:37,590 But I humbly ask you for your support. 251 00:17:38,270 --> 00:17:43,190 I will fight for every resident of this county. I will treat everybody equal. 252 00:17:43,750 --> 00:17:47,350 I will bring openness, transparency to this county. 253 00:17:47,490 --> 00:17:49,110 We can be the greatest in. 254 00:17:49,160 --> 00:17:50,960 The state of Pennsylvania. Thank you. 255 00:17:56,990 --> 00:18:00,960 Good evening everybody. Uh, thank you for all coming out and for the, 256 00:18:01,220 --> 00:18:04,600 the senator that, uh, he opened the doors. Uh, my name is Dave Laura. 257 00:18:04,740 --> 00:18:09,600 I'm married to Gretchen and um, we've been married for 23 years and, uh, 258 00:18:09,870 --> 00:18:13,080 very good. I'm gonna first go through a couple little things real quick. 259 00:18:13,460 --> 00:18:17,840 The county jail, I actually campaigned you times on that start in 2015. 260 00:18:18,310 --> 00:18:22,600 It's done. We are actually getting ready to move in in July and August. 261 00:18:22,620 --> 00:18:24,800 We should be moving in. Uh, 262 00:18:24,800 --> 00:18:29,560 BroadB big thing with broadband on this mountain has been one of the 263 00:18:29,560 --> 00:18:33,400 pride people of not prime people to help us build the, uh, 264 00:18:33,400 --> 00:18:34,760 broadband that we've already done. 265 00:18:34,760 --> 00:18:36,680 Now I'm talking fast cause I wanna get to a store. 266 00:18:37,460 --> 00:18:40,640 So there's a lot of good things that's going on that I've actually worked on in 267 00:18:40,640 --> 00:18:43,400 my time commissioner for seven years. 268 00:18:43,860 --> 00:18:47,360 My table with the backpack there has a brochure showing things that I've worked 269 00:18:47,360 --> 00:18:50,520 on and been successful with over the last seven and a half years. 270 00:18:50,620 --> 00:18:54,600 So if you wanna see it, please do that. But the reason I wanna go into a story, 271 00:18:55,470 --> 00:18:56,303 turn this, 272 00:18:56,510 --> 00:18:59,960 it's just not gonna be about what I've done on the commissioner's side. 273 00:19:00,700 --> 00:19:05,040 My first turn, I, my first run as in 1995, 274 00:19:05,870 --> 00:19:09,920 I've never gone away. I've always tried to stay one tuned every four years, 275 00:19:09,920 --> 00:19:12,040 except once I ran for, uh, 276 00:19:12,040 --> 00:19:15,360 the Office of Commissioner and finally successful in 2015. 277 00:19:16,060 --> 00:19:20,760 But my first time I ran as 1995 and all, you know, Mr. Dennis, 278 00:19:21,060 --> 00:19:26,040 Mr. Dennis, he asked me to be a judge on a, uh, 279 00:19:26,040 --> 00:19:29,520 talent show in this building. I was naive, 280 00:19:30,550 --> 00:19:34,120 very naive, innocent, sorry about that. Uh, 281 00:19:34,320 --> 00:19:38,480 I was very naive cause when I come up and actually set to be a judge on the 282 00:19:38,480 --> 00:19:42,280 talent show, I did not know what kind of a nest I was going to get into. 283 00:19:42,700 --> 00:19:43,600 And that was a big, 284 00:19:44,900 --> 00:19:48,080 so there was so much talent here that, uh, 285 00:19:48,080 --> 00:19:51,080 that I was so impressed with what took place that it was a very, 286 00:19:51,080 --> 00:19:54,520 very hard decision to figure out who was going be the 1, 2, 3. 287 00:19:55,020 --> 00:19:58,160 And they could all, all couldn't fit in that category. Cause there, 288 00:19:58,200 --> 00:19:59,033 there's so much talent. 289 00:19:59,620 --> 00:20:02,760 Now the reason I say that is cause that talent still exists. 290 00:20:03,140 --> 00:20:07,640 And with qca they have been there. And I even have a compliment from, uh, 291 00:20:07,640 --> 00:20:12,080 Penn State Extension here, just this past week dealing with the, 292 00:20:12,180 --> 00:20:15,480 the personnel in qca. And they said we have some of the best, 293 00:20:15,540 --> 00:20:20,200 if not the best people dealing with fiber network here on this mountain with 294 00:20:20,200 --> 00:20:22,440 people. That's what kinda talents up here. 295 00:20:22,680 --> 00:20:25,560 I will tell you that I'm excited about being a commissioner for the third term. 296 00:20:25,780 --> 00:20:28,960 Got more work to do. Hopefully you'll give support from May 16th. Thank you. 297 00:20:34,140 --> 00:20:38,720 You are listening to commonalities where guests find common ground through 298 00:20:39,040 --> 00:20:40,240 uncommon conversations. 299 00:20:40,970 --> 00:20:44,240 We'll be back after this brief break to recognize our sponsors. 300 00:20:47,520 --> 00:20:50,240 I am Melinda De LaRose as an Assistant district attorney. 301 00:20:50,430 --> 00:20:54,280 I've protected Fayette County families and fought to uphold our constitutional 302 00:20:54,280 --> 00:20:57,080 rights. As a prosecutor and trusted local attorney, 303 00:20:57,310 --> 00:21:01,080 I've provided victims of crime with a strong voice and put criminals behind 304 00:21:01,110 --> 00:21:04,280 bars. My pledge to you as judge is to follow the law, 305 00:21:04,380 --> 00:21:06,840 always maintain the highest ethical standards, 306 00:21:06,980 --> 00:21:11,200 and to run a courtroom that's respectful of your time and tax dollars. 307 00:21:11,700 --> 00:21:15,040 I'm Melinda de LaRose asking for your vote for Judge paid. 308 00:21:15,040 --> 00:21:16,680 For by Friends of Melinda de LaRose. 309 00:21:17,470 --> 00:21:19,240 When it comes to buying a home, 310 00:21:19,790 --> 00:21:22,520 what you see isn't exactly what you get. 311 00:21:23,020 --> 00:21:27,520 That's why home buyers should call Dave Dowling at Grandview 312 00:21:27,550 --> 00:21:32,440 Inspections at 7 2 4 2 0 8 4 1 0 8. 313 00:21:32,980 --> 00:21:37,760 You'll see colorful flowers, freshly painted walls, granite countertops, 314 00:21:38,190 --> 00:21:40,440 blaming hardwood floors and other touches. 315 00:21:40,910 --> 00:21:44,840 What you can't see is the cracks, ancient plumbing, 316 00:21:45,350 --> 00:21:46,400 dangerous wiring, 317 00:21:46,860 --> 00:21:51,840 or broken appliances that might be revealed when you hire a home 318 00:21:51,870 --> 00:21:55,280 inspector. And when it comes to home inspectors, 319 00:21:55,590 --> 00:22:00,440 knowing yours has the qualifications and experience needed should be your 320 00:22:00,800 --> 00:22:01,840 number one concern. 321 00:22:02,510 --> 00:22:07,040 Dave Dowling with Grand View Inspections is an architectural engineer 322 00:22:07,310 --> 00:22:12,080 with over 30 years of commercial construction experience and hundreds of 323 00:22:12,110 --> 00:22:13,600 inspections under his belt. 324 00:22:14,640 --> 00:22:19,360 A home inspection is an opportunity for you to hire an expert to walk through 325 00:22:19,680 --> 00:22:24,360 the home and prepare a report outlining the home's major components. 326 00:22:24,750 --> 00:22:29,640 What needs immediate attention and what will require maintenance after you move 327 00:22:29,660 --> 00:22:32,920 in your home is one of your biggest investments. 328 00:22:33,260 --> 00:22:36,880 So make sure your investment is everything you hoped it to be. 329 00:22:37,390 --> 00:22:41,040 Call Dave Dowling at Grandview Inspections at 330 00:22:41,040 --> 00:22:44,800 7 2 4 2 0 8 4 1 0 8. 331 00:22:45,960 --> 00:22:47,970 Nestled in the heart of the Laurel Highlands, 332 00:22:47,970 --> 00:22:52,530 the Christian W. Clay Winery and Ridge Runner Distillery offer handcrafted wines 333 00:22:52,530 --> 00:22:55,410 and spirits using locally sourced grapes and ingredients. 334 00:22:55,600 --> 00:23:00,290 Stop by our Pennsylvania tasting rooms located just across the street from each 335 00:23:00,290 --> 00:23:04,210 other. Or pick up a bottle at our wine cellar on Route 40, the National Road. 336 00:23:06,020 --> 00:23:10,410 Break out your dancing boots and get ready to boogie with Hollow Point at the 337 00:23:10,410 --> 00:23:11,243 winery. 338 00:23:11,350 --> 00:23:15,570 And enjoy food from Finis Kitchen Saturday May tw. 339 00:23:15,960 --> 00:23:17,970 Nestled in the heart of the Laurel Highlands, 340 00:23:17,970 --> 00:23:20,850 the Christian W. Clay Winery and Ridge Runner Distillery. 341 00:23:20,900 --> 00:23:25,010 Offer handcrafted wines and spirits using locally sourced grapes and 342 00:23:25,010 --> 00:23:25,760 ingredients. 343 00:23:25,760 --> 00:23:29,850 Stop by our to Hill Pennsylvania tasting rooms located just across the street 344 00:23:29,850 --> 00:23:33,050 from each other. Or pick up a bottle on our wine cellar on Route 40, 345 00:23:33,070 --> 00:23:34,210 the National Road. 346 00:23:36,020 --> 00:23:40,450 Break out your dancing boots and get ready to boogie with Hollow Point at the 347 00:23:40,450 --> 00:23:45,320 winery. And enjoy food from Fellini's Kitchen Saturday May. 348 00:23:48,560 --> 00:23:53,440 I, I'm John Marie. I'm, uh, accompanying my wife Patty here tonight. Uh, 349 00:23:53,870 --> 00:23:57,200 I've been married for four years, lived in Ette County, three children, 350 00:23:58,050 --> 00:24:02,920 seven grandchildren. And the reason I'm grandchildren, 351 00:24:04,360 --> 00:24:08,880 I see things need to change and I really believe that 352 00:24:09,130 --> 00:24:13,120 taxes have to come down in order for people who survive in this county. I, 353 00:24:13,280 --> 00:24:15,640 I believe we need to do a lot of different things, 354 00:24:15,980 --> 00:24:20,240 but the one thing I think we need to look at first is we have a, is uh, 355 00:24:20,240 --> 00:24:25,000 public service. We have a fiduciary responsibility to all of you. 356 00:24:26,280 --> 00:24:29,940 I'm not, I'm not an elected official. I'm the, I'm your server. 357 00:24:30,200 --> 00:24:33,860 That's where I'm at. I've been, I've been endorsed by several different, uh, 358 00:24:33,860 --> 00:24:37,740 organizations. Um, moving forward, I, I wanna look, 359 00:24:37,940 --> 00:24:39,460 I wanna look at the tax situation. 360 00:24:39,780 --> 00:24:43,660 I think we're a little bit outta control right now. Some of it has to do with, 361 00:24:43,760 --> 00:24:47,700 uh, the, uh, covid, but I, I think we can wrap, reel this in. 362 00:24:47,960 --> 00:24:52,780 The other thing I I really believe in is it's my job to find these township 363 00:24:52,930 --> 00:24:57,740 supervisors money and then get out of their way. Let them figure it out. 364 00:24:57,810 --> 00:25:01,220 They are amongst the people themselves every day. 365 00:25:01,420 --> 00:25:03,500 I can't leave from one end of the county to the other. 366 00:25:03,570 --> 00:25:08,100 There's 800 square miles of Fayette County. If anybody, you can check that out. 367 00:25:08,100 --> 00:25:10,940 That's true. We say eight square miles of waterway. 368 00:25:11,600 --> 00:25:15,020 If we help these township supervisors find the money and get out of the way, 369 00:25:15,280 --> 00:25:17,860 things will get better, things will get better. 370 00:25:18,200 --> 00:25:22,580 And we can bring jobs to the county cuz they will help do that. Uh, like I said, 371 00:25:22,660 --> 00:25:27,260 I am johnna, many of you know is the Hill Willie Seeans all over the place. 372 00:25:27,720 --> 00:25:31,180 I'm proud of that. Y'all have a great day. 373 00:25:44,670 --> 00:25:47,500 Thank you very much. I wanted to be here tonight. 374 00:25:47,500 --> 00:25:50,260 Thanks for the Opportunity Mountain Fellowship Center. 375 00:25:50,260 --> 00:25:54,580 And I've been here numerous times over the years for very important meetings. 376 00:25:54,800 --> 00:25:59,660 We were here recently with the drug problem in the mountain 377 00:25:59,730 --> 00:26:03,860 area and we'll certainly want help with that as, uh, Mr. Dunn said that, 378 00:26:03,960 --> 00:26:07,940 you know, we had some opioid funds that we can hopefully, you know, 379 00:26:08,130 --> 00:26:12,300 work with you to solve this problem. Uh, we had filed suit, uh, 380 00:26:12,730 --> 00:26:16,700 against the, uh, drug manufacturers and we were successful in getting, 381 00:26:17,640 --> 00:26:19,860 uh, 17 million, uh, 382 00:26:20,110 --> 00:26:24,060 which will stretch out over the course of 15 to 20 years. 383 00:26:24,240 --> 00:26:28,620 So we're gonna really focus hard on that. But I'm Vince, uh, 384 00:26:28,720 --> 00:26:33,500 I'm a full-time commissioner. I've been full-time since my first, uh, 385 00:26:33,570 --> 00:26:37,100 turn in office. I think this job requires full-time effort. 386 00:26:37,740 --> 00:26:42,040 So I have no distractions. I'm, I'm very open communicative. 387 00:26:42,280 --> 00:26:43,320 I try to, uh, 388 00:26:44,220 --> 00:26:48,280 con have a good rapport with the public and then call my office. 389 00:26:48,400 --> 00:26:51,520 I get back to them and I try to help them with their problems, 390 00:26:52,160 --> 00:26:55,920 whatever I can do to help make their lives better. Cause I love Fayette County. 391 00:26:56,120 --> 00:27:00,680 I, people here build a good relationship with all municipal officials. 392 00:27:01,600 --> 00:27:04,960 I know, I know that, uh, all the officials in the mountain and we work together. 393 00:27:05,100 --> 00:27:06,440 We try to help them with funding, 394 00:27:06,910 --> 00:27:10,560 whether it be LSA or a bridge that might be fixed, uh, 395 00:27:10,560 --> 00:27:15,560 through our bridge department. Whatever we can do to help up here, we, but, uh, 396 00:27:16,060 --> 00:27:19,440 I'm running again cause I, I have a lot of stuff I'm working on. 397 00:27:19,740 --> 00:27:23,000 We each have our own priorities, but a lot of them, uh, 398 00:27:23,190 --> 00:27:27,800 mine are job creation and infrastructure development. Uh, 399 00:27:28,140 --> 00:27:31,680 county business park expansions into our current parks, 400 00:27:32,520 --> 00:27:35,040 enhanced public transportation in the county, 401 00:27:35,420 --> 00:27:40,400 and maximum tourism promotion in continuing our fiscal discipline in 402 00:27:40,400 --> 00:27:44,400 the county that we have had for many years. Our, uh, our, 403 00:27:44,460 --> 00:27:47,760 our bond rating is up and we're really looking good. Uh, 404 00:27:48,140 --> 00:27:52,520 we were fortunate to have a good bond rating to get us that prison project that 405 00:27:52,520 --> 00:27:56,520 we got. But, uh, with my extensive, uh, experience in education, 406 00:27:56,760 --> 00:28:00,000 I believe I'm the candidate to continue to move. 407 00:28:00,000 --> 00:28:04,080 Fayette County Forward would be the stabilized reports for the future. 408 00:28:04,260 --> 00:28:09,160 And I would appreciate your vote and support on May 16th and then 409 00:28:09,260 --> 00:28:10,640 on November 8th, uh, 410 00:28:10,820 --> 00:28:15,240 and hopefully you'll give the opportunity to serve and I won't let, thank you. 411 00:28:19,980 --> 00:28:24,000 Thanks for having this event tonight. We, uh, 412 00:28:25,030 --> 00:28:29,740 just a couple things. I the county, we'll make a quick, there's three, 413 00:28:30,000 --> 00:28:33,420 uh, reasons that are, one, I'll be the voice of the victims. 414 00:28:33,880 --> 00:28:37,580 We do have tragedy in our camera. Number two, 415 00:28:37,910 --> 00:28:42,140 developing the group of individuals, calling them the guardian angels. 416 00:28:42,210 --> 00:28:45,340 They're gonna support the victim's, families, their kids, 417 00:28:45,890 --> 00:28:49,620 anybody when they do suffer. And thirdly, 418 00:28:50,840 --> 00:28:54,940 lotion. Take this office and really utilize the prevention. 419 00:28:55,360 --> 00:28:58,340 So cause of time, time limits, uh, 420 00:28:58,420 --> 00:29:01,420 I encourage you look at Facebook if we have it with wds. 421 00:29:01,460 --> 00:29:05,940 I was on WDS yesterday for 45 minutes. It's on air. Page four, Dr. 422 00:29:06,080 --> 00:29:10,300 Bob Baker for county page. Monday I was in West County. 423 00:29:10,780 --> 00:29:13,860 I took my seventh grader and we got certified this, 424 00:29:14,160 --> 00:29:17,140 and I'm gonna call it a new program cause I'm bringing it to Fair County, 425 00:29:17,560 --> 00:29:20,580 but it's a fantastic drug program. Like Commissioners Proceed. 426 00:29:20,580 --> 00:29:24,940 Said we have a major drug problem. It's now taken over the amount of youth 427 00:29:26,600 --> 00:29:30,940 you're losing drugs, accidents. 428 00:29:31,710 --> 00:29:35,860 Today I set up at Laurels High School in quarantine. I had police, 429 00:29:35,890 --> 00:29:39,420 fire nestler, fantastic job went overwhelmed. 430 00:29:39,480 --> 00:29:44,320 Really impactful for the kids that extracted them outta out the, uh, cars. Uh, 431 00:29:44,320 --> 00:29:45,440 their promise this Friday. 432 00:29:45,820 --> 00:29:49,920 My goal next year is to hit all the county schools with this impact. Uh, 433 00:29:50,060 --> 00:29:54,720 but it's a way to, I said before we had to educate the youth. That's where our, 434 00:29:55,420 --> 00:29:57,600 our, um, resources tend to go. 435 00:29:57,740 --> 00:30:01,320 The seventh grade program is absolutely one of the best I've seen. 436 00:30:01,740 --> 00:30:04,920 And so I've already reached out to the directors and I'm gonna bring that, uh, 437 00:30:04,920 --> 00:30:08,960 in this program, uh, to Fay County. And the reason is we, 438 00:30:08,980 --> 00:30:12,400 we need to reduce the amount of guests that we have, care for the victims, 439 00:30:12,820 --> 00:30:16,240 and care for their families. And, and so that's, that's the, uh, 440 00:30:16,640 --> 00:30:20,760 platform in a nutshell. I really appreciate all your support, uh, Tuesday. 441 00:30:21,180 --> 00:30:22,360 And thank you again Courtney, 442 00:30:22,420 --> 00:30:26,600 for having us and it's great to see all the other officials here. Best of luck. 443 00:30:27,890 --> 00:30:28,723 Thank 444 00:30:42,670 --> 00:30:44,890 Ladies. Gentlemen, thank you for coming out. 445 00:30:44,890 --> 00:30:48,210 My name is John and I'm running for County Corner as well. 446 00:30:49,030 --> 00:30:52,890 For the past 20 plus years, I've been a licensed director here in Pennsylvania. 447 00:30:53,750 --> 00:30:54,850 In 2008, 448 00:30:55,010 --> 00:30:59,730 I was recruited by our incumbent Riley as one of nine all county 449 00:30:59,730 --> 00:31:04,520 deputy corners. Since that time, I've gone out on hundreds of scenes, 450 00:31:05,480 --> 00:31:09,760 numerous autopsies to determine manner and cause of death. Um, 451 00:31:09,900 --> 00:31:13,760 in 2012, I felt the need for a positive change for our county. 452 00:31:14,140 --> 00:31:18,930 So I took the coroner's certificate course and since that time 453 00:31:18,960 --> 00:31:23,210 I've kept up the statutory requirements enforced by our, uh, 454 00:31:23,330 --> 00:31:28,130 attorney General's office to keep that certificate in, in force. Um, 455 00:31:28,930 --> 00:31:32,650 I appreciate any support that you can give me and I promise you that if I'm 456 00:31:32,890 --> 00:31:37,490 elected, one thing I will do, I won't be, I don't want to be, 457 00:31:38,850 --> 00:31:42,170 I don't want to be, um, successful as your next corner. 458 00:31:42,370 --> 00:31:46,290 I want my team to be successful. Cause after being there for over 14 years, 459 00:31:46,950 --> 00:31:48,450 the team is everything. And that's why, 460 00:31:48,990 --> 00:31:52,250 or incumbent Corner right now has been so successful in his job. 461 00:31:52,250 --> 00:31:54,250 Cause he has the right people in the right places. 462 00:31:55,060 --> 00:31:58,560 And that's one thing I can promise you that I want my team to be successful. 463 00:31:58,810 --> 00:32:02,080 Thank you Brandon's support and if you have any questions, I'll be in. 464 00:32:08,120 --> 00:32:09,090 Good evening everyone, 465 00:32:09,090 --> 00:32:13,250 and thank you for coming out this thank you Mountain Fellowship Center for 466 00:32:13,250 --> 00:32:15,530 hosting this event. Again, 467 00:32:15,590 --> 00:32:20,090 I'm James Custer and I'm seeking my third term as your county sheriff. Um, 468 00:32:20,270 --> 00:32:23,850 I'm a lifelong resident of Fayette County. Little background. 469 00:32:23,910 --> 00:32:28,210 I'm a seven year veteran of the United States Air Force and a 25 year retired 470 00:32:28,210 --> 00:32:32,650 Pennsylvania State Trooper. I've been with the, uh, sheriff's office since 2011, 471 00:32:33,000 --> 00:32:37,410 elected as sheriff in 2015. Um, I, 472 00:32:37,490 --> 00:32:40,840 I believe my strong point has been my staff. 473 00:32:41,260 --> 00:32:45,480 My staff has allowed me to be successful and allows me to get out and be in the 474 00:32:45,480 --> 00:32:47,840 community more. I've, uh, 475 00:32:49,000 --> 00:32:53,840 recently serving now as the president of the East End United Community Center, 476 00:32:54,300 --> 00:32:59,120 sit on the Board of Faith County Drug and Alcohol and work with the 477 00:32:59,120 --> 00:33:02,280 Crime Stoppers board on the state level. 478 00:33:02,400 --> 00:33:06,200 I was the first sheriff from Fayette County to the elected president for the 479 00:33:06,200 --> 00:33:07,920 Pennsylvania Sheriff's Association. 480 00:33:08,420 --> 00:33:13,360 And I now sit on their legislative committee reviewing proposed legislation that 481 00:33:13,360 --> 00:33:15,520 affects law enforcement across the state of Pennsylvania. 482 00:33:16,600 --> 00:33:21,560 I was also recently the first sheriff in Faye County to 483 00:33:21,560 --> 00:33:25,000 be elected to the board of directors of the National Sheriff's Association, 484 00:33:25,290 --> 00:33:27,360 where I sit on the border security committee. 485 00:33:27,740 --> 00:33:32,280 And we've been quite busy here recently. Um, so with that, 486 00:33:32,780 --> 00:33:37,120 um, I want to thank everyone for coming out. I'm unopposed, 487 00:33:37,460 --> 00:33:38,720 but I'm here cause of you. 488 00:33:38,960 --> 00:33:43,520 I work for you and I'm asking for your support next Tuesday and in November. 489 00:33:43,610 --> 00:33:44,640 Thank you. God bless. 490 00:33:53,250 --> 00:33:55,300 Good evening everybody. My name's Mike ak. 491 00:33:55,300 --> 00:33:59,780 I'm running for the Republican nomination for District Attorney. Uh, 2002. 492 00:33:59,900 --> 00:34:04,100 I joined the Army. I was active duty for seven years. I served in South Korea, 493 00:34:04,860 --> 00:34:08,380 Virginia, and I did a tour in Afghanistan with 10th Mountain Division. 494 00:34:08,940 --> 00:34:12,540 I continued into reserves for 13 years and in June of last year, 495 00:34:12,660 --> 00:34:16,540 I retired for over 20 years of service. While I was in the military, 496 00:34:16,940 --> 00:34:20,380 I was military police. In addition to being a military policeman, 497 00:34:20,820 --> 00:34:25,100 I also was able to attend a civilian police academy in 2004, 498 00:34:25,100 --> 00:34:29,500 where I became certified as a Virginia State Police Officer. And I also was, uh, 499 00:34:29,500 --> 00:34:33,660 certified in as a general instructor in police academy. 500 00:34:34,130 --> 00:34:38,260 Once I left active duty, I was employed as a correctional officer with the, uh, 501 00:34:38,320 --> 00:34:40,340 United States Penitentiary of Hazleton. 502 00:34:40,860 --> 00:34:44,540 I also have experience as a case worker with children new services. 503 00:34:45,080 --> 00:34:49,180 I'm a graduate of Penn State University and ane University School of Law. 504 00:34:49,840 --> 00:34:53,300 For the last seven years I've been a practicing attorney union town. 505 00:34:53,660 --> 00:34:56,900 I was with the law firm, Davis Davis until February of this year. 506 00:34:57,340 --> 00:35:00,940 I was also an assistant public defender. Things that are important to me. 507 00:35:01,320 --> 00:35:05,740 I'm a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and I have defended court in this 508 00:35:05,740 --> 00:35:06,190 county. 509 00:35:06,190 --> 00:35:10,980 We've had three reed carry from holding prosecuted for person degree murder, 510 00:35:11,440 --> 00:35:16,300 all acquitted. And I'm proud to say that I was one of those acquit. Uh, 511 00:35:16,300 --> 00:35:18,820 that's why I have been endorsed by the Pennsylvania, uh, 512 00:35:18,820 --> 00:35:21,940 firearm owners against the crime. I'm also, 513 00:35:22,380 --> 00:35:24,100 I also believe in fiscal responsibility. 514 00:35:24,820 --> 00:35:27,820 I believe that we should be responsible with your taxpayer money. 515 00:35:28,810 --> 00:35:29,700 Most importantly, 516 00:35:30,380 --> 00:35:34,580 I have a personal state in the same opioid and drug issues that you folks are 517 00:35:34,580 --> 00:35:38,360 facing up here. My wife and I were raising seven children right now. 518 00:35:38,800 --> 00:35:41,800 I have three biological children. I also have two nieces, 519 00:35:41,800 --> 00:35:46,680 two nephews between ages of 14 and 14 weeks that be raising had are a 520 00:35:46,680 --> 00:35:50,280 direct result of the issues that you're facing up here. Now, 521 00:35:50,280 --> 00:35:54,080 when that problem came to my family, we took on my, me and my wife. 522 00:35:54,300 --> 00:35:58,000 And that's how I joined to handle that problem as district attorney. 523 00:35:58,220 --> 00:36:00,920 And I ask you your support on May 16th. Thank you, 524 00:36:04,550 --> 00:36:05,160 gentlemen. 525 00:36:05,160 --> 00:36:08,920 I'm the district attorney County the district attorney for the last seven and 526 00:36:08,920 --> 00:36:09,753 half years. 527 00:36:10,590 --> 00:36:14,840 Just a very background in the military during the Vietnam War. 528 00:36:14,980 --> 00:36:19,960 And then thereafter, I've flown in combat, flown over 45, 529 00:36:19,990 --> 00:36:22,280 approximately 50 missions in combat, 530 00:36:22,420 --> 00:36:25,160 combat related and combat oriented missions. 531 00:36:25,870 --> 00:36:29,120 I've flown all over the world defending this country. 532 00:36:29,640 --> 00:36:34,520 I joined during the Vietnam War cause I believe we needed to destroy and crush 533 00:36:35,070 --> 00:36:35,903 communi. 534 00:36:37,300 --> 00:36:41,240 And I can tell you when I've also been a graduate of Penn State University, 535 00:36:41,240 --> 00:36:44,880 went through two and a half years, went straight into college at Wall School, 536 00:36:44,880 --> 00:36:48,720 George Washington University in Washington DC and came back. 537 00:36:50,040 --> 00:36:55,040 I have two children. They're a grown up. I adopted those two children. 538 00:36:55,960 --> 00:37:00,800 I raised both of those children by my son now as the district attorney. 539 00:37:01,680 --> 00:37:02,300 Additionally, 540 00:37:02,300 --> 00:37:06,640 I'm an assistant district attorney back in the nineties for approximately eight 541 00:37:06,640 --> 00:37:07,473 and a half years. 542 00:37:08,160 --> 00:37:12,880 I had several homicides back then and I have 11 first degree murder 543 00:37:12,880 --> 00:37:14,080 convictions at trial. 544 00:37:15,230 --> 00:37:18,520 I've also done rape cases at trial and gotten those. 545 00:37:19,840 --> 00:37:24,300 And as a district attorney, we've had 15,000 convictions, 546 00:37:25,410 --> 00:37:26,460 15,000. 547 00:37:27,110 --> 00:37:31,700 We've also gone to trial on approximately 340 548 00:37:31,790 --> 00:37:34,340 cases and gotten convictions of trial. 549 00:37:35,560 --> 00:37:40,500 Now a conviction is a plea that's 15,000 convictions plus the trial 550 00:37:40,510 --> 00:37:42,420 cases. Moreover, 551 00:37:43,040 --> 00:37:47,900 in UN was working with the judges of this county and the attorneys 552 00:37:47,930 --> 00:37:48,980 that I've worked with. 553 00:37:49,640 --> 00:37:54,060 We have saved the county each year cause of a lawsuit from the ACL U 554 00:37:54,140 --> 00:37:56,340 starting back in 2016, 555 00:37:57,280 --> 00:38:01,940 almost 4 million a year because of certain things that we've done. 556 00:38:02,620 --> 00:38:07,140 A C L U required the county to only allow hundred 80 557 00:38:07,210 --> 00:38:10,260 prisoners in the jail. As a result of that, 558 00:38:10,320 --> 00:38:15,060 we save 4 million plus we have intermediate punishment money that comes in 559 00:38:15,060 --> 00:38:20,020 from 0.5 million me every year. Seven 560 00:38:21,600 --> 00:38:25,580 unison commissioners. My staff. 561 00:38:26,230 --> 00:38:30,660 We've saved this county over 35 million. 562 00:38:31,800 --> 00:38:33,740 And also as the district attorney, 563 00:38:34,170 --> 00:38:39,160 I've given out and saved the county over a million dollars in regard 564 00:38:39,260 --> 00:38:43,840 to forfeiture monies that we've given to state police and to the state police, 565 00:38:43,970 --> 00:38:48,720 local police we've given out police cruisers, our forfeiture money, guns, 566 00:38:48,820 --> 00:38:49,920 the police officers, 567 00:38:52,840 --> 00:38:57,800 bulletproofs on and on and on. The county didn't pay for any of that. 568 00:38:57,900 --> 00:39:02,400 It came from money that we forfeited either from drug cases 569 00:39:03,020 --> 00:39:07,960 or from a massive undertaking two years ago where 570 00:39:07,960 --> 00:39:12,800 we took in 5 million in forfeiture money. Money's time. 571 00:39:13,230 --> 00:39:17,880 Hundred and 3,060 people were arrested through 572 00:39:17,890 --> 00:39:21,200 grand jury. I can tell you a lot of things, but I don't have enough time. 573 00:39:21,340 --> 00:39:25,680 I'm sorry, I I'm an attorney and we do talk sometimes much, 574 00:39:26,420 --> 00:39:31,040 but I'd ask for your support. I'm a Republican running in the, uh, 575 00:39:31,040 --> 00:39:34,040 general of the, uh, primary I'd ask. 576 00:39:50,790 --> 00:39:53,400 I've been different over five years. 577 00:39:55,160 --> 00:39:57,880 I not thank what this meant to 578 00:40:02,550 --> 00:40:03,383 confide. 579 00:40:07,680 --> 00:40:10,240 I guarantee you one thing I'm gonna give you a hundred percent of your day. 580 00:40:10,410 --> 00:40:14,320 Thank you me. Um. 581 00:40:14,610 --> 00:40:19,040 Thank you, uh, for having this Courtney. Um, my name is Melinda DeRose. 582 00:40:19,320 --> 00:40:22,440 I am running for judge of the court county. 583 00:40:22,910 --> 00:40:25,520 I've been a practicing attorney for 23 years. 584 00:40:26,370 --> 00:40:30,600 First first 15 spent, um, with a private law firm. 585 00:40:30,940 --> 00:40:35,920 And then in 2016 I left and joined the district attorney's office 586 00:40:35,920 --> 00:40:40,800 where I have remained since. And I also have my own private practice, um, 587 00:40:40,800 --> 00:40:42,880 where I handle all other areas of the law. 588 00:40:43,750 --> 00:40:48,160 I've always wanted to be a judge from the time I first entered law school at 589 00:40:48,160 --> 00:40:50,080 West Virginia University College of Law. 590 00:40:50,420 --> 00:40:55,200 And everything I've done in my practice has led me to this moment right 591 00:40:55,200 --> 00:40:59,960 here. I have three children. Um, all of them grow and out of the house. 592 00:41:00,700 --> 00:41:01,280 And, uh, 593 00:41:01,280 --> 00:41:06,080 my husband Ron is here and my parents and my sister because one thing that I've 594 00:41:06,080 --> 00:41:06,800 learned, uh, 595 00:41:06,800 --> 00:41:11,760 especially through this campaign process and raising children is that it takes a 596 00:41:11,760 --> 00:41:16,480 village. And being an assistant district attorney, one of the, um, 597 00:41:17,110 --> 00:41:21,200 best parts of that has been protecting our communities, 598 00:41:21,330 --> 00:41:25,320 protecting our streets, taking criminals, prosecuting them, 599 00:41:25,540 --> 00:41:27,600 and getting them outta our communities. 600 00:41:27,740 --> 00:41:32,720 That's what I'm most proud of what I've done in the last seven and half years as 601 00:41:32,720 --> 00:41:37,200 an assistant district attorney. But I also wanna commend you all. Uh, 602 00:41:37,280 --> 00:41:41,720 I attended a meeting here and I talked to some of you about here tonight, uh, 603 00:41:41,720 --> 00:41:44,520 regarding the, uh, that was a big issue here, 604 00:41:44,760 --> 00:41:48,880 a couple of maybe about a month ago. And the community, um, 605 00:41:48,950 --> 00:41:53,880 support and the community involvement was nothing less than astounding 606 00:41:53,880 --> 00:41:56,200 that night. And the same thing here tonight. 607 00:41:56,920 --> 00:42:00,600 I followed this community center on Facebook, I have for a while. 608 00:42:01,300 --> 00:42:05,400 And when I see what you are doing for the youth of your community, 609 00:42:05,940 --> 00:42:07,160 you are doing your part. 610 00:42:07,500 --> 00:42:12,040 You are the village that are keeping our community safe here. 611 00:42:12,150 --> 00:42:15,200 Because when you have those events for the kids, 612 00:42:15,620 --> 00:42:19,360 and I saw those pictures with their sweaty little faces from the volleyball 613 00:42:19,360 --> 00:42:20,193 tournament, 614 00:42:20,380 --> 00:42:24,560 it warmed my heart because I thought you are doing your part and, 615 00:42:24,620 --> 00:42:27,160 and having those events, because they're so very important, 616 00:42:27,510 --> 00:42:31,080 give our kids something to do so that they stay outta the criminal justice 617 00:42:31,180 --> 00:42:34,760 system. I'm Melinda DeRose and I ask you your support on Tuesday. 618 00:42:35,690 --> 00:42:36,523 Thank you. 619 00:42:39,790 --> 00:42:42,680 Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I never thought I say this, 620 00:42:42,700 --> 00:42:45,880 but get tired of talking about yourself all the time. 621 00:42:45,880 --> 00:42:49,040 Every time you come to a meeting, you gotta introduce yourself and tell, 622 00:42:49,040 --> 00:42:52,600 tell about your background. I hope some of you have heard me speak before, 623 00:42:52,870 --> 00:42:56,560 been on the radio several times, but I am welcome home. 624 00:42:57,140 --> 00:43:00,800 I'm an attorney running for the judge here in FA County. 625 00:43:02,100 --> 00:43:05,880 Why I be a good judge and the best choice for you. 626 00:43:06,520 --> 00:43:07,920 I own the most experienced. 627 00:43:08,640 --> 00:43:12,520 I haven't just spent seven years doing something that I love. 628 00:43:12,640 --> 00:43:17,080 I spent 23 years doing something that I love in a courtroom pretty much every 629 00:43:17,100 --> 00:43:21,440 day, practicing every law town high school. 630 00:43:21,760 --> 00:43:23,880 I know this place. Guys coming down. 631 00:43:24,440 --> 00:43:26,080 We went skating on the weekend and I'm like, 632 00:43:26,080 --> 00:43:30,880 where at Mountain Mountain Fellowship Center? So I'm familiar with this area. 633 00:43:31,870 --> 00:43:35,760 Does that make me a good candidate for judge? Not necessarily. 634 00:43:36,430 --> 00:43:39,520 What makes me a good candidate for judge is my experience. 635 00:43:41,110 --> 00:43:44,280 Been an assistant district attorney under three district attorneys. 636 00:43:44,810 --> 00:43:46,960 Judge Burn Jack Hanks, 637 00:43:47,110 --> 00:43:50,280 rich Bower in full-time private practice. 638 00:43:51,230 --> 00:43:56,090 Founding partner of s Maha. One, former potential teacher. 639 00:43:56,170 --> 00:44:00,410 I went to iup, went to University of Pittsburgh School, wall, married to Eva, 640 00:44:01,030 --> 00:44:03,650 two kids, Claire teaches in Ville. 641 00:44:03,760 --> 00:44:05,970 Evan just graduated from Penn State University. 642 00:44:05,990 --> 00:44:09,410 One of the proudest moments in my life was seeing my son graduate from Penn 643 00:44:09,410 --> 00:44:12,570 State. I'm local, I'm here. 644 00:44:13,070 --> 00:44:17,580 I'm the most qualified and experienced for this. As I said, 645 00:44:17,580 --> 00:44:22,300 23 years in a courtroom, both sides of the table. Civil experience, 646 00:44:22,440 --> 00:44:26,580 zoning experience, sitting up here in the mountains, in at township meetings, 647 00:44:26,920 --> 00:44:30,580 uh, to get zoning, uh, special in exceptions, things of things of that nature. 648 00:44:31,420 --> 00:44:35,160 And this has been one of the wildest rides I've ever been on. 649 00:44:36,280 --> 00:44:40,640 I said, I've done three really crazy things in my life. One, I got married, two, 650 00:44:40,720 --> 00:44:45,040 I had kids. Three, I did this first. Two worked out pretty good for me. 651 00:44:45,140 --> 00:44:49,680 And I asked for your vote on May 16th. I'm on both picket. 652 00:44:50,180 --> 00:44:53,560 We can cross Democrat, Republican. Um, 653 00:44:55,860 --> 00:44:58,640 I'm me and that's all I can say. I've been genuine. 654 00:44:59,310 --> 00:45:02,640 I've been who? I'm, those of you who know me, 655 00:45:02,640 --> 00:45:06,280 no changed too much from when I was in high school when I was in junior high. 656 00:45:07,070 --> 00:45:09,720 What you see is what you get. Appreciate it. 657 00:45:18,850 --> 00:45:21,670 Hi, my name is Township 658 00:45:25,860 --> 00:45:30,110 Town Challenges Township. 659 00:45:30,110 --> 00:45:33,710 There's only like 50 people. Uh, 660 00:45:33,710 --> 00:45:36,990 during summer we get over a million visitors, 661 00:45:38,760 --> 00:45:43,720 60% of the township 662 00:45:46,660 --> 00:45:49,650 state game land, state part services. 663 00:45:51,590 --> 00:45:56,010 My goal is to try to work with our local governments county state 664 00:45:56,870 --> 00:45:59,930 and getting some grants money that way. 665 00:46:01,070 --> 00:46:01,930 We just don't have the, 666 00:46:06,750 --> 00:46:10,450 we have go for one end to the other end 667 00:46:11,960 --> 00:46:15,970 park that residents are, we have to maintain. 668 00:46:18,150 --> 00:46:23,090 My goal is try local government, 669 00:46:24,080 --> 00:46:26,860 help us maintain the council. Thank you. 670 00:46:32,550 --> 00:46:35,680 Good evening everybody. My name is Robert Rhodes. I'm from Brownsville. 671 00:46:36,100 --> 00:46:37,560 I'd like to thank everybody for, 672 00:46:37,660 --> 00:46:41,840 for this event here tonight at the community center. Um, 673 00:46:42,500 --> 00:46:47,490 I'm not a politician. I, I left Fayette County when I was 18. 674 00:46:47,610 --> 00:46:49,570 I left to join the United States Marine Corps. 675 00:46:50,130 --> 00:46:53,770 I saw action in Two Wars and then I came back to Fayette County thinking I'd get 676 00:46:53,770 --> 00:46:56,410 an education and leave again. I met my wife, 677 00:46:56,420 --> 00:46:59,450 who's a school teacher down in Brownsville School District where we live. 678 00:47:00,390 --> 00:47:05,090 And uh, I told my wife, I said, I have quarters, the county a Bay Hawaii, 679 00:47:05,100 --> 00:47:08,250 which sounds really impressive. I was so excited to go there. 680 00:47:08,330 --> 00:47:12,130 I was gonna be a company for sergeant for an infantry, uh, battalion. 681 00:47:12,870 --> 00:47:15,850 And my wife said, I don't wanna leave. I wanna stay here in Fayette County. 682 00:47:17,470 --> 00:47:21,890 So I kind of dropped here in Fayette County and I have no regrets. Um, 683 00:47:21,890 --> 00:47:24,330 after 13 years of the Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Reserve, 684 00:47:24,690 --> 00:47:27,610 I worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the Department of Corrections. 685 00:47:28,010 --> 00:47:31,720 I retired two years ago and I'm proud to say now I work with, uh, 686 00:47:31,910 --> 00:47:35,560 four Sheriff Kuster as, uh, part of his security detail. 687 00:47:37,020 --> 00:47:39,560 And, uh, I kind of felt I, 688 00:47:39,670 --> 00:47:43,320 I've always been one to serve Phil Michaels in the back. He, uh, 689 00:47:43,340 --> 00:47:45,960 he and I were boys at All Saints over Macy time. 690 00:47:46,820 --> 00:47:50,720 And I've always been a person to want to serve, whether it was my community, 691 00:47:51,260 --> 00:47:53,120 my state, or my nation. 692 00:47:54,100 --> 00:47:58,120 And now I have the urge to serve our community. That being Fayette County, 693 00:47:59,240 --> 00:48:02,520 I am the Republican, uh, nomination, not nomination, 694 00:48:02,520 --> 00:48:06,240 but the only candidate running for county controller on the Republican ticket 695 00:48:06,240 --> 00:48:10,440 right now on for term limits. I say after eight years, 696 00:48:10,440 --> 00:48:15,040 move up or move out. You won't see me after that, not in that position, 697 00:48:16,380 --> 00:48:20,280 but I humbly ask your support and God bless you. Have a good night, everybody. 698 00:48:24,150 --> 00:48:26,200 This has been commonalities, 699 00:48:26,680 --> 00:48:30,760 a show where guests find common ground through uncommon conversations. 700 00:48:31,030 --> 00:48:33,600 Copyright 2022, coordinated 360. 701 00:48:34,020 --> 00:48:37,320 All public rebroadcast should be done with prior written approval from Matthew 702 00:48:37,430 --> 00:48:42,040 Dowling. All requests should be sent to info@coordinatedthreesixty.com. 703 00:48:42,250 --> 00:48:44,680 Thank you for listening to commonalities. 704 00:48:47,640 --> 00:48:51,440 Coordinated 360 is comprised of three main divisions, marketing, 705 00:48:51,510 --> 00:48:54,920 political consulting, and event management. For today, 706 00:48:55,130 --> 00:48:56,840 let's discuss event management. 707 00:48:57,540 --> 00:49:01,440 Our event services under the direction of owner Rebecca Dowling can take charge 708 00:49:01,440 --> 00:49:06,200 of planning and hosting your conferences, conventions, meetings, exhibitions, 709 00:49:06,410 --> 00:49:11,280 trade shows, seminars, festivals, and any private gatherings such as birthdays, 710 00:49:11,280 --> 00:49:15,520 weddings, or showers. Our team can handle finding vendors, issuing invitations, 711 00:49:15,580 --> 00:49:18,040 and even use social media to advertise the event. 712 00:49:18,620 --> 00:49:22,920 We pride ourselves on our customized event decor no longer just for kids' 713 00:49:23,160 --> 00:49:26,960 birthday parties. 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15May, 2023
