On the last day of April, the Lycoming County Republican Party in cooperation with Radio WEJS in Williamsport conducted a forum for the nine Republican candidates running for the two County Commissioner seats on the May 21st primary ballot. A full house crowded into Clarke Chapel on the campus of Lycoming College as each of the nine candidates were asked nine questions relating to everything from selling government properties to the opioid crisis. Here is a very brief summary of each of the candidates in the order that they will appear on the May ballot.

SCOTT METZGER: Scott emphasized his 32-years of experience in the Adult Probation Department, and was obviously strongest in answering questions on crime and the court system. He hit hard on the incumbents for not taking action on a number of items. He appeared confident and not afraid to challenge the status quo.

TONY MUSSARE: Tony has served two terms as a county commissioner, so he brings the most amount of experience to the table. He was unapologetic about his record and had many highlights of successes in the past term. Of all those on the podium, Tony seemed like himself. This is a man comfortable in his own skin.

CHAD RILEY: Chad’s opening statement commented that though he had failed in a recent run as county sheriff, he felt he had a contribution to make, so he decided to run for commissioner. Striking more of a common man approach, Chad took pride in the fact that he was running the lowest budget campaign. Chad’s strong suit was his personal history; an Eagle Scout, foster parent, father, husband, Christian man.

STEPHAN BRADY: Steve is a retired Air Force officer who holds a Ph.D., so he brings a unique blend to the table. Definitely had some of the more innovative ideas to the questions, he obviously needed more time to explain his positions as he was constantly given the “warning bell” for time. If he does not get elected, he is someone the county should try to utilize in some way shape or form.

GABE CAMPANA: As mayor of Williamsport for the past twelve years, Gabe is probably the most well-known of all the nine candidates. Definitely proud of his record as mayor, Gabe answered almost every question with a highlight achievement as city mayor. For those who might have seen this as a little bit too much chest-pumping, he received a handshake from candidate John Bower for his cooperation with Loyalsock Township on the levee project. Love him or hate him, the man can lead.

JOHN BOWER: Speaking of John, sitting next to Campana he seemed to use the same script, highlighting his achievements as a township supervisor for Loyalsock Township. Echoed others on the need to hold the line on taxes and expenses, and he was most passionate about selling off property such as the golf course — a solid citizen with good experience under his belt.

TODD LAUER: Without a doubt, the most unique of the nine candidates, whose chief achievement was that he had attended 175 commissioner meetings and 100 court sessions. Brutally honest, he had the best line of the night when asked about the need to expand broadband, he responded, “I don’t know anything about broadband, but if we need it, I’m all for it.” Claims to have knocked on 3,000 doors in the county, Todd may strike a chord with the contrarian crowd.

KATHRYN NASSBERG: The most serious of all the candidates, her answers were often sharp and cutting. She singled out the two incumbents failures on several responses, and made some eyebrow raising comments, such as the failure to get volunteers into the local fire companies is because of turf wars and “you have to either be born or married into a fire company.” Proud to be running as a tough woman ready to take on a tough job.

JACK MCKERNAN: Drawing the last straw and thus last on the ballot, Jack decided to make the most of it by using his tag line often, “Don’t waste time, vote #9.” Like Tony Mussare, he highlighted his achievements as commissioner and also board chairman, and had lots of facts at his fingertips. Unashamedly asserting that his record is his campaign, he will be betting that the voters are happy with that record.

The challenging debate venue consisted of one-minute introductions by each candidate followed by nine rounds of questions, so each candidate had the opportunity to lead off. With only one minute to answer, and also 30-second rebuttals when requested, the time limit bell was a steady accompaniment all night long.

And as the saying goes at the end of a good show, “That’s all folks!”