LOCAL

County Commissioner Bob Thomas seeks re-election

Staff report

Bob Thomas will seek a seventh term as Franklin County commissioner. 

He will run in the May 21 Republican primary alongside fellow incumbent Dave Keller. The third incumbent, Bob Ziobrowski, will run in the Democratic primary, as will newcomer Sheri Morgan. 

MORE::Sheri Morgan, Bob Ziobrowski announce candidacy for Franklin County Commissioner

Consisting of three elected officers, the Board of Commissioners is the county's governing body. Commissioners create policies, authorize some services and facilities, and make the county's contracts and purchases. Administrative powers and duties include registration and elections, assessment of property, human services, veterans' affairs, 911, emergency services, operation of a county prison, personnel management, operation and maintenance of 93 county bridges, appointment of county personnel, and budget and finance management. 

Commissioners serve four-year terms. 

“My experience and knowledge of local, state and federal governments gives me a unique qualification, I know the players and understand the issues," Thomas said. "But most important is my passion to serve and make Franklin County a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

First elected in 1995, Thomas said he has seen for himself how county programs change lives: "Be it Senior Services, Veterans, Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol addictions, counties are where the rubber meets the road. In many cases, it’s all about connecting the unconnected."

MORE:Dave Keller seeks fourth term as Franklin County commissioner

He pointed to the county's co-responder program, which since starting in 2017 has diverted about 350 people from potential police intervention and connected them with services to get the help they need. The program serves Waynesboro, Washington Township, Greencastle and, as of just recently, Chambersburg police departments. 

"This program has been recognized as one of the best practices for diversion in PA and has been shared with counties across the state. It’s all about the people and helping connect them to services to make this a better community," Thomas said. 

Thomas said the county's fiscal condition has remained solid, with an AA rating by Standard & Poors. Supporting that rating is the county's healthy pension fund, which has benefited from investment decisions and stands in contrast to other municipal and state pension funds. 

Thomas noted the county's property tax has been among the lowest in the state throughout his 23 years as commissioner. At the same time, he said, the county has been one of the fastest growing regions in the northeastern U.S. To keep the county green, land preservation is a priority; with financial support for the farmland preservation program and related initiatives, the county has 17,477 acres of preserved prime land on 135 farms. 

All but two of his years as commissioner have been spent on the board of Franklin County Head Start. 

 “I have seen firsthand the cost to tax payers when we fail with our children. In early 2018, a new initiative brought together Head Start, local schools, Keystone and Summit/Wellspan Health, County and State Human Service agencies, the library and many more. 'Hope from the Start'  was created to increase child development education and services for new parents to insure their new child gets what he or she needs to be ready for school and succeed in life.”

Thomas listed a number of other roles and accomplishments: 

  • Led the formation of the Franklin County Council of Governments in 2002, and served as chairman for six years. 
  • Was vital in the formation of the Franklin County Metropolitan Planning Organization in 2008. “The MPO works with PennDOT to establish our priorities. Because of our efforts, traffic signals in the Chambersburg area will soon be connected and coordinated to help move traffic efficiently. Interstate 81 issues are and will be a big priority for years to come. I’m very happy that Exit 12 south of Chambersburg has been approved. These projects will take a few years to complete, but we are going in the right direction.”
  • Has served as chair of the Franklin County Prison Board for all of his years as commissioner. The county has significantly increased educational opportunities and drug and alcohol counseling at the jail and worked with the community providers to insure a warm and smooth handoff upon release. This is just one of the many jail/community partnerships in place, all in an effort to reduce recidivism.
  • Was the first Franklin County commissioner to serve as president of the  County Commissioners Association of PA.  “As president, my top priority in 2016 was the formation of the Behavioral Health Task Force. Too many people are in PA jails due to actions caused by Mental Illness. This committee identified the issues and came up with solutions. We have succeeded and our work has led to much reform and sharing of best practices for all 67 counties in PA to follow. Because of our success and the importance of this issue, today the Behavioral Health Task Force is a standing committee at CCAP and one of the most active.”

In addition, Thomas is or has been a member of many other county and community organizations. 

Former Commissioner Warren Elliott said, per Thomas' candidacy announcement: “Bob Thomas is well respected for his commitment to his constituents. He is recognized at both the state and national levels of county organizations for his record of working hard on behalf of the citizens of Franklin County. I certainly support his reelection.”

Prior to public life, Thomas was a radio broadcaster for over 20 years, serving in various capacities including General Manager of the former WKSL radio, Sales manager at WIKZ and station manager at WCHA. In 1993, Thomas was elected to Chambersburg Borough Council and served on the Planning and Zoning Committee.

Thomas has beej married to wife Sherryl for 38 years. They are active members of the Marion United Methodist Church where Bob is Lay Leader and Sunday School Teacher. Bob and Sherryl have twin daughters, Bobbie Brown (husband Chris) of Hamilton Township and Kelly Thomas of Enola and one grandson, Aiden Brown.