WAYNESBORO – On Tuesday, May 20, Waynesboro’s Republican voters will select a new slate of conservative candidates during Pennsylvania’s primary election. These Republican winners will likely take office after general election voting concludes in November, since no Democratic party candidates oppose them for the town’s mayor, and the three open Borough Council positions.
ELECTION DETAILS
Pennsylvania is one of nine states that conduct closed primaries. This setup prevents third-party and unaffiliated voters from participating in partisan elections. In Waynesboro, this process also means that for this particular primary election, voters registered as Democrats will have no local candidates to support on the ballot. However, all Waynesboro voters can make choices for statewide offices, which include judges for the Commonwealth Court.
Franklin County has 103,000 registered voters, and Republicans hold a commanding advantage with a 62 percent share to the Democrats’ 22 percent. The remaining 16 percent of Franklin County voters are Independents or non-affiliated and are ineligible to vote in the closed primary.
PASSING THE TORCH
Mayor Richard Starliper, who died on Friday after 19 years in office, had not sought re-election, and the Borough Council president and vice president likewise are not seeking re-election, so the borough’s registered Republicans will select a new generation of potential leadership that, along with the three conservative council members already in place, will guide the community’s direction forward for the next several years.
Starliper’s nearly two decades at the helm reflects the town’s tradition of re-electing popular mayors to multiple terms. Ward 3 Councilman Jarred Knott reflected on that career. “Mayor Starliper’s dedication and commitment to Waynesboro are greatly appreciated.”
Dade Royer, seeking to become the next generational leader as the town’s mayor, also spoke about Starliper’s public service. “Mayor Starliper has made a tremendous contribution to our community, serving 20 years as mayor and 16 years in the Borough Council.”
WAYNSEBORO CANDIDATES
Royer seeks the Republican nomination for mayor. He is a Waynesboro native and the current Borough Council Vice President. Royer has also served on the Property and Public Safety and Fire and Police Department Safety committees. “I will serve as a strong voice for the Waynesboro community,” Royer said.
The second mayoral candidate is Douglas Carranza, and he seeks his first public office. The Waynesboro resident has a background in criminal justice and law enforcement. He has received numerous awards for public service through his career in Rockville and Montgomery County, Maryland. Carranza is a father of four children and is active within his church. “I want to lead by example,” Carranza said.
In Ward 1, two Republicans face off to take Royer’s seat. Janeen McChesney and Todd Blake are the candidates, and both are seeking their first elected public office. Blake works for Volvo/Mack Trucks in Hagerstown and is a UAW Local 171 liaison. McChesney is a senior product manager for Fiserv, a financial technology company.
For the Ward 2 race, two challengers seek to replace Harold Mumma, the current Borough Council president, who is not seeking re-election. “I will miss the people in borough government,” Mumma said. “We have a good team in place.”
Brandon Boldyga challenges Ascohi Helman for the privilege of representing the Republican Party in the November election. Helman is a political newcomer who has worked in management and operations positions in the private sector. Boldyga’s background includes 13 years as a zoning and planning administrator in Myersville, Maryland.
Randy Schriver runs unopposed to fill the Ward 3 council seat currently held by Jarred Knott, who will not seek another term. Schriver retired from a Department of the Army civil service career, and served in the U.S. Army Active Duty/Reserve for 41 years.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE
Mayoral candidate Royer brings his current leadership experience in the Borough Council, combined with leading roles in many civic organizations, as tools to lead Waynesboro as its chief executive. Royer recognizes significant differences exist between serving on the Borough Council and leading as mayor. “I take those challenges very seriously,” he said, noting the mayor’s primary responsibility is managing the police force.
Carranza retired from a 25-year public service career, serving in law enforcement in Maryland as a corrections and police officer. Carranza also served as a volunteer fireman. He believes those multiple roles make him a quality mayoral candidate. “I am fluent in criminal law and have made the crucial decisions that help reduce crime,” Carranza said.
Five Waynesboro Republican candidates are running for three open spots, to serve a four-year term on the six-member Borough Council. None of these candidates currently serve on that leadership board.
In the Ward 1 Borough Council race, candidate Blake feels his role as a negotiator for the Mack Truck National Bargaining Committee gives him relevant experience. Blake also has local government credentials. “I have served on the Waynesboro Borough Authority for two terms and have enjoyed my involvement with the community.”
McChesney has been active in multiple organizations, including the Waynesboro Veterans Council, serving as a civilian ombudswoman for the U.S. Navy, working with the Franklin County Housing Commission, and serving on the Waynesboro Civil Service Commission. She also recently completed a certification in Leadership Franklin County. McChesney wants to use these qualifications to “become more involved with local government” by winning a seat in Ward 1.
Competing for the nomination in Ward 2, Helman believes her business operations background, combined with her listening and problem-solving skills, will be an asset in local government. “Public officials must ultimately work for and with the people that elected them, for best success.”
Ward 2 candidate Boldyga said that his governmental experience has prepared him for council leadership in Waynesboro. “I have learned the ins and outs of municipal government along with the limitations and advantages of serving at the municipal level.” Boldyga has also served on the Zoning Hearing Board for the Borough of Waynesboro.
Schriver cites his professional background as a thorough preparation for public office. “During my career as a civil servant, I attended many required leadership professional development courses and retired as the technical requirements branch chief at Letterkenny Army Depot.”
WHY THEY SEEK OFFICE
All the candidates mentioned that public service was a calling to help their fellow citizens live better lives in Waynesboro. Mayor candidate Royer’s family traces its roots back to the town’s founding era, and his commitment to that legacy is a motivating factor. “I feel it’s my duty to serve the community, and it’s a big reason why I’m running for Mayor.”
“Waynesboro needs improvement,” opposing mayoral candidate Carranza said. He stated his reason for seeking the mayor’s office. “We need to find solutions and make the town look alive again.”
Borough Council Ward 1 candidate Helman believes local government can have a positive impact by fortifying the community. “I am driven by a genuine desire to contribute to the betterment of Waynesboro.” Her opponent, Boldyga, said: “I want to serve the community where I live, to make a difference using my skillset to do what I do best.”
In Ward 2, Blake echoed that motivation, saying he wanted to make a local impact. “I enjoy helping people and working with them to resolve issues and concerns.” McChesney wants to “Bring a new perspective to the council.” She also plans to advocate for increasing human services that McChesney believes are vital for area citizens.
Schriver runs in Ward 3 to “give back to the community. Waynesboro has been a very important part of my life’s journey.”
LOCAL CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS
The candidates mentioned many challenges facing Waynesboro in the coming years and how they would potentially solve those issues. From public safety to improved roads to increased government transparency, the office seekers put forth their ideas for voters’ consideration.
Candidate Boldyga said increased traffic from new developments and poor road conditions were obstacles Waynesboro faced. “The Borough Council will need to make some tough decisions on funding priorities to determine how to fund infrastructure repairs,” Boldyga said. He also mentioned the council should practice a more aggressive planning approach during the inception phase for new developments.
Candidate Helman cited public transportation needs, combating drug abuse, water system upgrades and economic development as significant challenges that local government faces. “It is essential that we work together to find solutions to these issues.” Helman stressed higher-quality education programs and equitable access to technology as tools for accomplishing goals.
Schriver says financial stability and quality of life are important issues. He wants residents of Ward 3 to enjoy a safe place free from crime and illegal drugs. Schriver thinks the borough should “continue to invest in our fire and police departments. We should support initiatives for better healthcare and mental health outreach programs.”
Ward 2 candidate McChesney advocates for improved services like public transportation and easing food insecurity. McChesney feels tax-raised funds should be directed more toward education. Through her involvement in various community charities, McChesney feels she has a finger on the pulse of the community’s needs. “I will communicate clearly and always speak up. I’m not afraid to ask questions to find better solutions.”
Blake wants to sustain the borough’s parks, roads, and community spaces. “My main goal is that we continue to create and maintain a place where all people can live safely and happily.”
Mayoral candidate Carranza feels Waynesboro’s government needs greater transparency and has offered his solution. “The Borough Council meetings should be televised to allow people to see their government at work.” Carranza was also disappointed by the recent split between Waynesboro’s paid firemen and the town’s volunteers. “We should try to bring them back together.”
Royer’s priorities would include hiring local law enforcement officers and bringing business growth to Waynesboro in the retail and industrial sectors. Royer foresees a two-pronged approach to ensure an effective public safety program. At the forefront, he believes in strict law enforcement, especially fighting illegal drugs. “I’m going to be an advocate for drug prevention,” he said, stressing that those substances can tear apart the fabric of a community. Royer believes hiring locally connected police officers creates a better environment by building stronger relationships with residents.
CONFIDENT CANDIDATES
All local candidates expressed confidence in their abilities, but stressed varied leadership themes in their comments and campaigns.
“I feel I’m the best candidate to serve the needs of Waynesboro,” Royer said about his mayoral candidacy. “I have experience in government these past six years, and I’ve built relationships that help things get done.”
Royer’s opponent, Carranza, was equally confident about his run for office. “I have the skills and education a mayor needs. I’ve worked at all levels of law enforcement and am committed to increasing police patrols and improving safety. I want to make improvements to Waynesboro by trying new ideas.”
Schriver, the Ward 3 candidate, believes his work background has given him a solid foundation to lead. “I have 30+ years in each of my careers as someone in positions to help others achieve a common goal and develop personal attributes to excel in life.”
If elected to serve in Ward 1, Blake promises to “work diligently to reach solutions. I want everyone to have the same opportunities.” His opponent, McChesney, is enthusiastic about her potential role in Waynesboro’s future. “I believe my experience and background will bring new leadership perspectives to the council.”
Boldyga believes he’s the best candidate to represent Ward 2 on Waynesboro’s Borough Council. “My experience in municipal government makes me an ideal candidate for this office. I could hit the ground running and get to work on the issues facing the Borough.”
Helman is confident in her leadership credentials. “My unwavering commitment to exceeding expectations makes me a formidable candidate. I’m dedicated to championing the interests of all stakeholders, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.”
OTHER CANDIDATES ON THE PRIMARY BALLOT
The Waynesboro primary ballot will also feature candidates for several additional offices and a few statewide positions. Shane Harkins and Bradley Kiracofe, both Republican candidates, are running for two open positions for the Waynesboro Area School District School Directors. Kara Geesaman runs unopposed for the Tax Collector position, and she completes a local field that sports all Republican candidates.
For more information about the primary election, including candidates in Quincy and Washington Townships, readers may visit Franklin Votes (franklinvotes.org) for details about polling locations (open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 20) and other voting resources.
