Commissioner races top Tuesday ballot

Crowded races for county commissioner seats in Cameron and Potter counties are the main attractions in Tuesday's primary election. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Eleven people are running for three seats on the Cameron County Board of Commissioners for the four-year term that starts in January 2008.

The term might be lessened if voters in November opt for a home rule charter that would radically alter the form of local government in Cameron County. However, all township and borough governing bodies must first agree to put the issue before the voters.

Cameron County Republicans will pick their two nominees Tuesday from a field that includes Pat Vogt, Keith Summerson (write-in), JoAnn Smith, Don Reed, Ron Hammersley, Glen Fiebig (incumbent), Barry Brown and Tonya Aversa.

Running for the t w o Democratic nominations are Nick Botera Jr., Thomas Callahan, Phillip Jones and Keith Summerson (write-in). Republican Hammersley has also been making a push for Democratic write-in votes.

Incumbents Tony Moscato and Patrick Rodgers decided not to run for re-election.

In Potter County, all three incumbents are seeking another four-year term.

There are three candidates on each party ballot: Republicans -- Paul Heimel, Doug Morley and John Torok (incumbent); Democrats -- Ken Wingo (incumbent), Susan Kefover and Cathy Bowers (incumbent).

Voters in many school districts will be asked if they want to approve an increase in the earned income tax, in return for a lowering of real estate taxes on their residences.