Editor’s note: We’ll be publishing candidate profiles through Saturday in advance of the general election on Tuesday.

Four candidates are running for three commissioner seats in Monroe County. Democrats Sharon Laverdure and John Christy are incumbents. The Republican candidates are David Parker and Christine Wilkins. The salary is $83,529.

Sharon Laverdure

Town: Smithfield Township

Background: I spent my career in public education, including 43 years with East Stroudsburg Area School District. As superintendent, I carried out the obligations required by government agencies. I managed hundreds of employees and budgets comparable to Monroe County. Being active in our community, I see the needs folks have and challenges they face. In a new term as commissioner, I will continue to utilize my experience for public benefit.

Why are you running for office: I am running for another term as commissioner because there is important work left to be done. Since I took office in 2020, we have gained serious momentum toward the equity and progress I committed to. I believe in a new term, we can finish the job we started.

What is the biggest problem facing the county and how would you solve it: Economic development and housing go hand-in-hand. Our area has long relied upon service jobs to prosper. We have utilized our Economic Development Commission to recruit high-paying, family-sustaining jobs to our area. Everyone who resides here has the right to live safely, in good health, and with dignity. The county is engaging with municipal leaders to promote better planning, which will ensure it is easier to build the workforce housing we need.

How will you keep the courthouse project on target to save taxpayer dollars: As commissioner, I strive to be as thorough as possible in scrutinizing public projects and their expenditures. The key concept with the courthouse expansion is the modernization of government. With that comes efficiency, and therefore, better targeted public funds. The largest issue that the expansion solves is courtroom/judicial security. The design of the expansion reduces overtime worked by the sheriff’s judicial detail substantially.

The prison correctional officers have voiced concerns over the last year. What can be done to operate the prison efficiently while addressing work and safety concerns: We have heard these concerns and we are making immediate progress where possible. The county wants to ensure the safety and welfare of all those who work in our Correctional Facility.

What actions can the county take to battle the drug crisis: First Assistant District Attorney Mike Mancuso has spearheaded numerous initiatives to combat the drug crisis. Treatment is still an under-utilized tool. Rehabilitation for first-time offenders is superior to imprisoning folks battling addiction. Rehabilitation does not absolve them of their responsibility, but rather gives them the chance to get back on their feet and give back to our community. I support these efforts, and additional ways the county can collaborate with others to defeat this crisis.

John Christy

Town: Stroud Township

Background: John Christy has 33 years in the construction and equipment management field and is owner of OM Christy Inc. - specializing in construction management and consulting, on major construction, renovation and maintenance projects, with emphasis on budgeting and contracts. He is a graduate of Gannon University, has an A.A.S. in Business Administration/Labor Relations and a B.A. in Political Science/Planning. Married with two children. He is on the board of directors for Shawnee Fire Company.

Why are you running for office: Because of my dedication to Monroe County. I have volunteered as a fireman for over 20 years, an EMT for 15, I serve on the Board of Safe Monroe and was a past member of Monroe County Rail Authority and the Stroud Township Planning Commission. My father always said leave your workplace better than you found it and you’ve done a good job.

What is the biggest problem facing the county and how would you solve it: A. Housing that is affordable for the everyday worker is a nationwide problem. The low hanging fruit that is available and that there are current funding sources are over 55 housing. It has less impact on schools and infrastructure. B. Water and sewer; we have been working to secure additional money for upgrading water lines in Monroe County. Commercial development is only supported when water is available.

How will you keep the courthouse project on target to save taxpayer dollars: We were able to secure bonding before the interest rate increases. We allowed contractors to bill for stored materials before the supply problems became prevalent. What has to be kept in mind is not only do we have a new courthouse, but two other buildings will be renovated and brought up to current standards saving taxpayers in maintenance and repairs and better efficiency.

The prison correctional officers have voiced concerns over the last year. What can be done to operate the prison efficiently while addressing work and safety concerns: Corrections officers have a tough job, and we appreciate the great job they do. We have installed a full-body scanner that allows the correctional officers to scan inmates to help find hidden materials being smuggled into the facility. We take the safety of the officers very seriously as well as those housed there.

What actions can the county take to battle the drug crisis: Drug abuse follows the availability of the product, now we have fentanyl, often mixed by someone who measures products using a shovel in an outdoor lab. Treating drug and alcohol abuse has changed over the years, we now have more partners helping. The LETI program allows those in need of services to contact a police officer who will facilitate a warm handoff to a specialist to get treatment.

David C. Parker

Town: Stroud Township

Background: Born and raised in East Stroudsburg. Degree in Business Administration from Messiah College. Worked in the family business, Cramer’s Home Centers for 27 years in various roles: salesperson, buyer, Director of Human Resources, and store manager. Led United Way, Day of Caring projects for the Red Cross, PATH House, and Family Promise. Member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board since 2009. Served as a State Representative for Monroe County in 2015 and 16.

Why are you running for office: I’m running for Monroe County commissioner to help make our community a better place to live, work and raise a family. I want to continue the smart fiscal policies of other county administrations, while effectively delivering services to help our neighbors. I would work together with local, state, and federal leaders to fight for our fair share of funding for schools, roads, and economic development projects.

What is the biggest problem facing the county and how would you solve it: The biggest problem continues to be the annual under funding of our schools by the commonwealth by about $40 million a year. Our taxpayers make up the difference by paying the highest school taxes in Pennsylvania as a percentage of local income. This leads to a higher cost of living and less affordable housing. I’ll work with our state delegation and push to fix this injustice and advance solutions in Harrisburg.

How you will you keep the courthouse project on target to save taxpayer dollars: Last I heard, the project was still on schedule. With the inflation we’ve experienced these last few years, costs are higher than originally anticipated. I would work together with other county leaders and the contractors to ensure we are delivering the best value for the taxpayer.

The prison correctional officers have voiced concerns over the last year. What can be done to operate the prison efficiently while addressing work and safety concerns: I need to learn all sides to every issue, get input, and make informed decisions. It’s important that we have a motivated, and happy workforce in every aspect of the county, including the correctional facility. I have a proven track record of addressing issues when I’m in public office, and if elected will work together with all parties on solutions.

What actions can the county take to battle the drug crisis: We’re losing too many people to drug overdose. Again, I want to learn all sides of this issue. I would consult with the District Attorney’s Office and the Drug Task Force, county leaders, the Carbon, Monroe, Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission and collaborate with other counties on best practices and find out what works to battle this crisis. Then, implement those strategies that deliver positive results.

Christine A Wilkins

Town: Stroud Township

Background: Chairwoman Stroud Township board of supervisors. First woman appointed and elected supervisor in Stroud Township (2015-present). Served Zoning Hearing Board (2010-2012), Planning Commission (2012-2015). Current vice president Pocono Mountains Council of Government, president/general manager Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wilkins & Associates. Board member Safe Monroe/Women’s Resources Monroe County, Kettle Creek Environmental Fund, East Stroudsburg Little League. 2012 Northeast Business Journal Top 25 Women in Business. Adjunct Professor Northampton Community College (2014-2019).

Why are you running for office: I’m serving the last year of my term as Stroud Twp supervisor. I’ve served local government since 2010 and have established working relationships with local/state officials as well as numerous agencies in our county. My lifetime of shared experiences, a business professional working with thousands of local families and someone active in our Monroe County community gives me a deep understanding of the concerns our residents and the issues they want their local leaders to address.

What is the biggest problem facing the county and how would you solve it: Housing, infrastructure, volunteer firefighter/EMS services, and taxes as well. Each part of Monroe County is unique in the needs they have. I serve as vice president of Pocono Mountains Council of Governments bringing together local officials and agencies from across Monroe County to talk about and solve multi-jurisdictional issues. The working relationships I have with local officials and agencies allows me to begin on day one with understanding and addressing those needs

How you will you keep the courthouse project on target to save taxpayer dollars: The courthouse is set to be complete in 2024. A huge undertaking to the modernization of our county buildings. I give credit to our current commissioners. More work is needed on other existing structures. Growing up in a developer family, working over 30 years in the real estate industry, serving zoning hearing board, planning commission, and as a township supervisor, I understand construction phases. I will use that knowledge to save the most I can.

The prison correctional officers have voiced concerns over the last year. What can be done to operate the prison efficiently while addressing work and safety concerns: Correctional officers are working in confined conditions of a secured facility. Co-existing with inmates through the pandemic with mental health issues at an all-time high. Support and training is needed to protect our correction officers from those who are diagnosed with serious mental health issues and violent tendencies. Support and counseling is needed for inmates in gaining self respect and awareness to rehabilitate themselves. Facilities must be maintained for the safety of all.

What actions can the county take to battle the drug crisis: I have personal experience to what drug addiction does to a family. Those addicted does not mean they’re a bad person, it means they need help. It can happen in any family. Treating mental health and drug addictions are separate. When a crisis happens, it needs to be identified immediately and not until “a bed is found.” Treatment of drug addiction is more than a 7/14/28 day program. It requires support of counselors and sober surroundings.