Potter County Republicans gather

Members of the Potter County Republican Committee hosted a pre-election dinner for political candidates and party faithful Saturday night at the Hotel Crittenden.

State Assembly Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) was the keynote speaker. He received accolades from Potter County Republican Chairman D. Bruce Cahilly for his leadership in successfully steering a tripling of the "in lieu of taxes" payments for state-owned land through the legislature.

Causer discussed several issues, including the Republicans' efforts to secure a larger portion of the state's revenue surplus, created through new taxes championed by Gov. Ed Rendell (D), toward existing government programs, rather than new initiatives.

Generally speaking, Causer said, Republicans in the General Assembly find themselves fighting hard to prevent other tax increases supported by Gov. Rendell and many House Democrats.

Causer also detailed successful efforts in which he was involved to defeat a gun registration and gun fee bill introduced in the House.

"The answer to taking care of the crime problem is to enforce the laws we already have on the books," he said.

Cahilly also introduced the three candidates vying for two party nominations to run for Potter County Commissioner the November general election. He said all three of the contenders -- incumbent John Torok, Doug Morley and Paul Heimel -- are qualified and would do well if elected.

The chairman urged Republicans to strongly support the two winners from the May 15 primary election in the fall campaign.

"It's very important that the Republicans are in control of the county government," Cahilly said. "We have to do everything we can to make that happen."

Also introduced were County Treasurer Krista Miller and Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts Amy Moshier, both of whom are unopposed in May for another four-year term.

Cahilly also recognized Coroner Kevin Dusenbury and Jury Commissioner Dean Dow, whose terms are not up for reelection until 2009.