Six candidates are running for four seats on the Lansford Borough Council - Democrats Mary Soberick and Joseph Butrie, Republicans Bruce Markovich and John M. Turmanovich, and Jack Soberick and Michelle Bartek who are cross-filed. Mary and Jack Soberick did not respond to our questions.

Bruce Markovich

Background: First appointed to council in 2018; elected council president in 2020 and again in 2022. Lifelong resident of the borough. Vice president of the Lansford Historical Society.

Why you are running for office: After years of mismanagement in the borough we have made substantial progress in moving the borough forward. Since 2020 we have paved 26 streets, replaced 48 sewers, lowered sewer transmission fees twice, collected over $300,000 in unpaid bills, torn down 8 dilapidated homes. Obtained $1.2 million in grants in addition the state and private developers have invested $12.2 million in projects within the borough.

The biggest problem facing the borough and how you would solve it: At 39 mills we have the highest property tax in the area, next year for the first time in over 30 years the borough will be debt free, we can then begin to lower our tax rate comparable to other communities.

Additional comments: We need to continue working with Carbon County Economic Development Corporation and the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau to increase our tourism potential, tourism is the second largest employer in the county; we need both the jobs created and money spent by tourists to grow our local economy.

John M. Turcmanovich

Background: Lifelong resident of Lansford. First elected in 2015, served as vice president since 2018. Retired police officer and police chief Served as assistant fire chief 12 years. Chairman of Police Civil Service Commission.

Why you are running for office: Continue the forward progress of rebuilding the borough infrastructure and the clearing of abandoned/dilapidated structures by obtaining federal and state funding.

Biggest problem facing the borough: Restructuring of borough finances and eliminating borough department and then begin to lower the tax rate. Take advantage of all assistance from outside agencies to obtain grants and funding to rebuild and promote the borough into the future.

Michele R. Bartek

Town: Lansford

Background: Lansford native, mother of two amazing children Alyssa and Ashley, grandmother to Madison Kehl, graduate of Panther Valley High School, Allentown College for Business Development, government training through the Pa. Borough Association, former Lansford business owner, former Lansford mayor, volunteer within the community, host the Lansford Halloween festival, member of Lansford Alive, former Lansford Fire company volunteer, former Lansford Ambulance volunteer, past president of Lansford improvement committee.

Why are you running for office: I am running for Lansford Borough Council to be the voice of the people by building a strong police force, generating revenue by rebuilding our business district, creating more activities for children and families to thrive in the community. Move Lansford forward by advance technology that will show transparency throughout our police department and all borough employees. Improving the quality of life and increasing the property value of homes and ensuring property owners that everyone will work together.

What is the biggest problem facing the borough: Public safety; I would work with the new hire chief of police to have an understanding of the challenges he is facing to ensure our safety. What we can do to help keep our officers educated, the proper PPE, proper tools to capture crime and help build alliances with other law enforcement like state police, Attorney General’s Office, FBI and drug task force. Secure state and federal funding in addition to grants specific for law enforcement.

Additional comments: I have never sued this town and taken taxpayer money like other candidates due to the negligence of their own family members who served on council. Past chiefs who sued due to own negligence and are currently in litigation against the borough. I’m not a quitter like past council members who now want to run for council for their own personal agenda. Vote for Michele Bartek, proven leader who will work for the taxpayers.

Joseph Butrie

Background: I am a native of Lansford. My grandfather was a coal miner here. Was president of the Lansford Zoning Hearing Board, served on Lansford Borough Council for 7 years. Served on the Public Works Committee. I have great love for this town.

Why you are running for office: I believe that Lansford needs to be put back in the right direction in order to grow. There are so many unfinished projects that are just sitting for years, and we keep starting new projects we never complete all the old ones. There is a huge lack of a police force and what is here gets no support from Council.

The biggest problem: The safety of the residents with a lack of police force. We need to build back a strong police force. We need to start by hiring a police chief (I am a firm believer in promoting from within) and then you can start to build your police force.

Additional comments: We have a lot of landlords who feel that they do not need to take care of rental properties and they become eyesores. With over 700 rentals it is time to control the number of rentals this town has and clean up the town.

Let’s make people want to live here again.