Jeff Schnaiter of Towamensing Township has announced that he will be a candidate for county commissioner in the upcoming primary and general election.

Schnaiter is a retired member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers where he worked as an inside wireman. As an active IBEW member, he served on the Executive Board and was chairman of the Apprenticeship Committee.

Schnaiter says, “I will always watch out for working men and women and their families. Carbon County has a history built by those who worked for the railroad, for the coal companies, for Bethlehem Steel, for Palmerton Zinc and many women worked in the clothing mills until the 1960s. Those were all good paying union jobs and they brought prosperity to this county.”

Schnaiter now serves on the board of assessment appeals for the county and because of his interest in local government, has attended many commissioners’ meetings and township meetings.

He believes that being involved in the community is vital for the continued growth of Carbon County. He says, “While I think our current commissioners are doing a good job, I think my leadership skills will add a fresh perspective to the board.”

Jeff and his wife Carol moved here in 2020 from a small town in Northern Illinois where they raised their family for 42 years. Jeff and Carol have two daughters, Amanda and her husband Jeremy and Jessica and her husband Austin. They have three grandchildren.

Jeff says, “Carol and I fell in love with Carbon County. We love the beauty of the land and the many outdoor recreational opportunities. We both want to give back to the community and help preserve Carbon County as it is. At the same time, I believe we should look for smart economic growth opportunities that will bring good jobs to our county.”