Next York County commissioners could be three newcomers: Here's a look at the candidates

Incumbency has its limitations. That's what York County learned from Tuesday's primary election. Well, for the most part.

Christopher Reilly's status as a county commissioner and longtime party favorite didn't help him hold off the rise of two Republican challengers, Ron Smith and Julie Wheeler. 

Smith and Wheeler upset incumbent Reilly, who has served five terms as a county commissioner. Smith's political experience doesn't extend past the Dallastown borough council level; and Wheeler has never held elected office.

The primary went differently for the Democrats. Incumbent Commissioner Doug Hoke locked up one of the Democratic nominations and is seeking his fourth term on the board of commissioners. He'll be joined on the ballot by Judith Higgins, a former Democratic candidate for state senate. 

More:'It's not a huge surprise to me': Steve Chronister loses bid for county commissioner

Each party will have two candidates on the ballot this fall, with three elected to serve on the county board of commissioners, earning more than $90,000 each. And hypothetically, the next board of commissioners could be made up of the three newcomers. 

So, who exactly are they? To learn about the candidates, the York Daily Record sent questionnaires to each. Find their answers below.

In a crowded field, why are you the best candidate for the job?

Doug Hoke:

It has been my privilege to serve the residents of York County as one of the Commissioners for the past twelve years. I have always stayed true to my beliefs; be honest, work hard, make fiscally responsible decisions and stay actively engaged with the community. I hope my record in office has demonstrated my commitment to good governance in York County and in turn has earned your support.

Judith McCormick Higgins:

I believe my human resources knowledge, as well as management and people skills, make me the best candidate to serve as York County Commissioner.

The role of the County Commissioner is to be the chief administrator for the county. Ensuring that there are the “right people” in the correct place is highly important. My experience in Human Resources gives me the ability to ask the right questions, to make certain that the best people are serving the public of York County, and to make sure that nondiscrimination, gender equality and pay equity are respected and adhered to in York County. Lack of these skills result in legal costs, poor management outcomes, and, potentially, more bad press for the county.

Management skills are particularly critical when there are unions, contracts and very tight budgets. For example, as the Negotiations Chair for both Eastern York and LIU 12, it was critical that the goal of the organization be clearly communicated, and that honest, open dialog be pursued. It was my honor to be endorsed by the Eastern York Education Association because I respected their expertise, listened to their concerns and worked to ensure that the goal of providing an equitable education was achieved. We did not have swimming pools or extravagant facilities, but we did provide a respectable salary, professional development and an atmosphere that encouraged collaborative problem solving and, ultimately, higher publicized test scores for the district.

People skills are very important to this position, and poor people skills have proved to lead to high turnover, low morale, and diminished productivity. I spent over 10 years as a journalist in the military, interviewing many different ranks of people from all over the country. I learned how to ask questions and to listen, in order to understand their story or issue. In public service, we have citizens with concerns, and we need to be listening to them because they know what their experiences are, and frequently have an idea of how to solve the issue, if we just listen.

Today, money is very tight in our community and we must be creative to solve the challenges. It is, I believe, impossible to fund the county on grants because these are not sustainable funds. Grants, for example, do have a place in providing financial supports to particular projects or equipment purchases, but not for maintaining services. I have demonstrated budgetary creativity, cost awareness and the willingness to seek out opportunities for the people of York County.

Ron Smith:

I bring a unique and relevant combination of skills, experience and knowledge to solve our County’s pressing issues while serving as your next County Commissioner. 

Twenty-one years of municipal government service as an elected official with the borough of Dallastown, including the last 11 years as President, has prepared me to take the next step into county government.

Successfully managing multi-million-dollar budgets, guiding the performance of borough employees, working with our residents and solicitor in crafting reasonable ordinances, partnering with law enforcement to reduce crime, and supporting our local EMA, EMS and Fire Services to ensure a safe environment for raising our families required hands-on involvement, and most importantly listening and responding to everyone’s concerns.

Working to ensure equitable outcomes for both taxpayers and our dedicated public servants, I am currently serving in my ninth year as a York Area Regional Police Commissioner and was a member of the collective bargaining committee for management through three police contracts which strengthened my collective bargaining skills.

Thirteen years as a volunteer in the Emergency Medical Services/Fire Service community reinforced in me the value of community service, self-sacrifice, and commitment to something larger than one’s self.  

And as an owner of a successful small business, I must exercise personal fiscal discipline every day. I will apply the same sound principles to ensure your County Commissioners are good stewards of our taxpayer resources and advocate for economic growth through the promotion of business.

Julie Wheeler:

I am a results driven leader, with a track record of excellence, running successful businesses for a Fortune 500 Company.  Leadership is a skill-set that must be honed over time and I’ve spent the past 30 years developing my business acumen and leadership skills in high pressure roles where I've been accountable and responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars.  It was imperative that I got things done in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner. All skills necessary to run County Government.

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What one issue do you think most needs to be addressed in the county?

Doug Hoke:

The most important issue that faces this office is always maintaining the fiscal integrity of the County. As a commissioner it is critical that I minimize wasteful spending and encourage smart and efficient budget practices. This also includes making sure that the office is accountable and transparent to the public.

Judith McCormick Higgins:

The one issue that I believe most needs to be addressed is the environment, and being environmentally positive can save the county, and employers, money. Regardless of your political orientation, the ability to breathe clean air and access clean water are fundamental to human life.  Employers are increasingly realizing that being eco-friendly does not negatively affect profit. Addressing the environment will result in a wealth of positive outcomes for business and industry, including lower health care costs, higher productivity for working adults who are no longer struggling with health issues related to poor air quality, and a better public image for the employer by being more environmentally aware. As the environment becomes a more prominent criteria for investment potential; businesses that are “green” benefit, and the community benefits, as well.

The community benefit is not only improved air and water quality, but potentially lower costs for public services due to lower demand. Additionally, addressing these issues may potentially result in job creation, as business and industry more actively seek to invest in technology that results in a cleaner environment. This could, potentially, increase York’s visibility in not only the Commonwealth, but also the world. There is significant opportunity, if the investment in research is supported, as new practices will be seen as desirable, and that people are empowered to address this very important issue.

Ron Smith:

Our ongoing York County 911 Emergency Operations Center staff turnover and retention problem needs to be fixed immediately, as well as the Center’s communication technical issues.

Julie Wheeler:

I believe we lack a strong, strategic vision and plan for our county’s future.  A vision and plan that accommodates and includes ALL York Countians.  Our County Commissioners should be leading this charge. And, I’d like to assist in shaping that bold future.

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If new resources were available, what one area of county services would you feel most needs additional resources?

Doug Hoke:

I believe that more resources should go to meet the growing human services needs within York County. Through my time in office, funding from various sources has been flat and service demands are constantly increasing. I hope to correct this trend in my next term as commissioner. Some examples of this include services to seniors, veterans, and emergency services personnel.

Judith McCormick Higgins:

There is a great deal to be gained by ensuring that sufficient resources are provided to the York County 911 Center. The ability to coordinate and deliver services in a life or death situation is huge as these services are the center of the web that covers and protects the county. Our first responders, whether police, ambulance or fire company, needs to be confident that the information is relayed accurately, in a timely manner, and that the coordination will be the most efficient. Considering potential consequences, the failure of this service could, potentially, affect so many other county services including Children and Youth, Agency on Aging, Emergency Management, Mental Health, Veteran’s Affairs and others. The additional resources will be used to ensure that communications are maintained, regardless of weather, to ensure the health, welfare and safety of all York Countians.

Ron Smith:

Health and Human Services

Julie Wheeler:

Having a safe place to live, work and raise a family is a high priority. Supporting proper funding for each unit of County Government, including 911 service is essential. I've received endorsements from York County District Attorney Dave Sunday, Fraternal Order of Police #15 and #73, making me the only candidate running on either ticket to have the full support of local law enforcement.  The support of such entities and individuals have shed a light on the impact 911 issues have upon our first responders and residents.  If we are to focus on one area that needs our full attention it must be 911.

More about the candidates...

Doug Hoke

Age: 68

Political Party: Democrat

Municipality: York City

Occupation: York County Commissioner

Past Experience: Public Finance; small business owner; personnel; marketing; and senior management

Education: Graduate of the West York Area School District. Bachelor of Arts Degree in History & Political Science from Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri.

Website: DougHoke.com

Judith McCormick Higgins

Age:  63

Political party: Democrat

Municipality: Lower Windsor Township

Occupation: Educator/Small Business Owner

Past experience: Military veteran; human resources professional; adjunct instructor; Penn State York – management and business; Eastern York school board  member

Education:  BS – Public Administration/Pre-Law; Masters – Human Resources Utilization; Doctor of Ed. – Adult Education

Website: JudithHiggins.com

Ron Smith

Age: 56

Political Party: Republican

Municipality: Dallastown Borough

Occupation: Small Business Owner

Past experience: 21 years as an elected municipal official with the borough of Dallastown with last 11 years as council president.  Currently in my 9th year as a York Area Regional Police Commissioner where I have served on the personnel committee which interviewed, recommended and hired our current Chief of Police. Served on the collective bargaining committee for the past 3 police union contracts. 2 years on the Board of Directors for York County Crime Stoppers. 13 years in Emergency Medical Service and Fire Service as a volunteer. Currently a York County small business owner

Education: Graduated from York County School of Technology

Website: RonSmith4York.com

Julie Wheeler

Age: 52

Political Party: Republican

Municipality: Windsor Township

Occupation: Businesswoman

Past experience: My professional career started as a chemist at Adhesives Research in Glen Rock. An opportunity presented itself to join a Fortune 500 Company, GE, and
I seized it and spent the next 25 years learning and growing in business. At GE, my innovative research led to the development of a patent used in the automotive industry. Wanting to further my passion for healthcare, I accepted a role within our Healthcare Division where I most recently held a General Manager position running a $300 Million
Business.

Education: Dallastown Area High School; Randolph-Macon Women's College Bachelor's Degree in Biology 

Website: facebook.com/Wheelerforcommissioner/

Also of interest, here's a gallery updating you on the I-83/ Mt. Rose Avenue project.