Pocono News Section

Special Election for Rhoades' Seat Underway

Special Election for Rhoades' Seat Underway - Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 12:17PM EST

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY- It's a special Election Day for voters in parts of a half-dozen local counties. They're choosing a candidate to replace 29th District State Senator James Rhoades, who was killed in a crash last fall.
Freezing weather in March isn't the usual setting for an election, but today it is. This morning we caught up with the candidates and voters.

Voters in Hometown say the stakes are high for this special election. Gary Vitanovec of Hometown said, "Jim Rhoades was a very good man and we need a good man to replace him."

Jessica Kowalonek of Lake Hauto added, "This is a big day, big day for our area. They're both local guys you know, everyone should come out and vote. It's your duty."

Vitanovec is casting his ballot for the 29th State Senatorial District. Schuylkill County Clerk of Courts Steve Lukach, a Democrat, and State Representative Dave Argall, a Republican, are the candidates.

Vitanovec hopes his vote will help select a senator to fix the states finances. "It would be the economy and spending. Controlling the spending."

The 29th District covers six counties, but mostly Schuylkill County. Jeff Bonacci braved the single digits temps to place his vote. "Reduce property taxes. That's what my number priority is and that's why one of the reasons I'm voting today based on who can do the most for that in particular," he said.

Both Lukach and Argall punched their ballot at the Armory Hall in Rush Township. They talked to us about their number one priority if elected. Lukach said, "Create jobs in this economy. It's important that we create as many jobs as we possibly can. We also can't forget the fact that we need to do something about property taxes."

Argall said, "Bringing more jobs to this community, these six counties. I don't think anything is more important than economic development."

And for voters in Schuylkill County, this election is both special and very important. Polls close at 8:00 P. M. Election officials say we should have results by tonight's 11:00 news.