Only 5 file petitions to be on 11-member panel

Write-in candidates must get 200 votes each to be elected.

By LAURE CIOFFI

VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — There appears to be little interest in studying Lawrence County’s form of government.

Only five people filed petitions with the Lawrence County Elections Office to appear on the fall ballot for the 11-member commission. Each person had to gather 200 signatures.

Eight others had taken out petitions but did not return them to the elections office by the 4 p.m. Tuesday filing deadline.

Elections officials say the study commission issue will still go on this fall’s ballot because there is an opportunity for write-in candidates. That, however, may be a difficult task since a successful write-in candidate must get 200 votes.

If 11 people are not elected to the commission, the entire issue dies even if residents vote in favor of a study.

Lawrence County commissioners decided to put the study commission question on this fall’s ballot after the Lawrence County League of Women Voters requested it.

League members also championed a previous government study five years ago that was ultimately defeated by voters. The first study commission recommended the government change from three elected county commissioners and various other elected row officers to a county council and an appointed county manager.

Those seeking a seat on this year’s study commission are all New Castle residents. They are David Kennaday, John Russo, Loretta Hogans, Bradley Olson Sr. and Mark Panella.

cioffi@vindy.com