Incumbents Burke And Webster Facing Challenges In Race For Blair County Commissioner

With Republican Bruce Erb not running for another term as Blair County Commissioner, there will be at least one new face at the commissioner’s table, but with all three seats up for election, that number could increase.

Traditionally, Blair County voters have elected two Republicans and one Democrat to the board, and the May primary ballot reflects that trend with four Republican candidates vying for two seats and two Democrats seeking one seat.

On the Democratic ticket, incumbent Laura Burke is seeking a second term. Burke is facing a challenge from first-time commissioner candidate Carol Taylor.

Burke was first elected to the commissioner's office in 2019 when she defeated incumbent Ted Beam. Burke is the Liaison Commissioner to the offices of the district attorney, public defender, Children Youth & Families, and tax claim and assessment.

Burke said being the minority commissioner is challenging and requires someone who is committed to putting in the time necessary to get their voice heard.

“The job of commissioner is large and complex under normal circumstances, but there is a special kind of pressure in being the voice for the minority,” Burk said in a statement announcing her candidacy. “You do not have a backup and you cannot take a day off.

Taylor, who unsuccessfully challenged State Sen. Judy Ward for her 30th district seat in 2022, works as a counselor for adults with mental health and substance abuse issues. She said a commissioner needs “real world” understanding of the county’s priorities and that the county needs a better way of addressing substance abuse and mental health issues.

“This county has been using the prison system as a way of dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues. The approach has been disastrous,” Taylor said in a statement announcing her candidacy. “Mental health fuels substance abuse, and the addiction to opioids and meth have added to the need for mental health support.”

Taylor also said she is in favor of keeping spending in line and not burdening taxpayers.

On the Republican side of the ballot, Amy Webster is seeking a second term after first winning election in 2019. Webster said her experience as an attorney and a real estate broker prepared her well for her job as commissioner.

Webster, whose Liaison Commissioner offices include Coroner, Register and Recorder, Prothonotary, Sheriff, Fort Roberdeau, Blair County Prison, and the Blair County Airport Authority, said she is running on her experience, conservative values, and conservative voting record.

Webster said many of the departments she works with have reduced costs and the county needs to keep taxes and spending down and encourage local business growth.

Scott Barger, who hosts a talk show on local radio and has been a pastor for 15 years is making his first run for office by challenging what he calls the “status quo.” He said Republicans need to elect better conservatives who will put conservative ideas into practice.

“A just government protects the life and liberty of all people, especially those who have no voice,” Barger said in his campaign announcement. “As commissioner, I will be that voice.”

Dave Kessling said he is running for commissioner as a pro-life. Pro Second Amendment, pro-taxpayer conservative. A former correctional officer and deputy superintendent and prison warden, Kessling said he has a “Taxpayer First Agenda,” and will focus on reducing wasteful spending and improving county services. He said he wants to develop a solid employee recruitment and retention plan, improve employee morale, and create a 10-year blueprint to review county-owned properties for maintenance and upgrades.

Manny Nicholes, who currently serves on the Hollidaysburg School District Board of Directors and has owned an environmental remediation company for 35 years, said the commissioner's office needs to be more transparent. Nichols said he is a “blue collar” candidate whose real-world experience as someone who built a business, and as a volunteer firefighter for more than 25 years will help him relate to and understand the concerns of all Blair County residents.”

“Ive been a working person my entire life, earning for my family and planning for the future,” Nichols said. “Like most Blair County workers, I am solidly pro-life and Second Amendment. I have served as a volunteer firefighter for 25 years and I will be proud to serve as Blair County’s first blue collar commissioner.”

Nichols said his time as a school director has given him valuable experience that he will take with him to the commissioner’s office. He said overseeing a large budget, negotiating contracts, and addressing issues that come before the board are some of the things he does as a school director that will enable him to be an effective and experienced commissioner.