County, state officials demand resignation of embattled commissioner
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL FILE - County Commissioner George Halcovage.
POTTSVILLE – Five county officials, three state representatives, and the committees for both major political parties are calling for the resignation of embattled county Commissioner George Halcovage, who is facing a federal lawsuit for allegations of sexual harassment.
In a letter dated Thursday, March 25, County Treasurer Linda Marchalk, Prothonotary Bridget Miller, Clerk of Courts Maria Casey, Recorder of Deeds Ann Dudish, and Acting Controller Sharyn Yackenchick demanded Halcovage’s resignation.
The letter was hand-delivered to Halcovage by Marchalk earlier this week, according to Coal Region Canary.
“We write to you today to express out concern and contempt over the misconduct alleged by four female County employees and the impact that the misconduct and resulting claims are having on the people of Schuylkill County and the administration of County government,” the quintet writes. “Quite simply, you have lost our trust and we collectively have no confidence in your ability to effectively lead our great County.”
The quintet cites the county’s “exhaustive investigation” into Halcovage’s alleged misconduct, which said he violated four county policies, which would, if he was an employee, have led to his firing. They also cited a federal lawsuit filed earlier this month by four anonymous county employees against Halcovage, the county itself, Solicitor Glenn Roth, and Administrator Gary Bender.
“The specific and detailed allegations contained in the [federal lawsuit] are abhorrent, repulsive, and inexcusable,” the quintet writes. “These allegations are raised by County employees are legally and morally inappropriate and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. The allegations suggest a pattern of conduct unbecoming of any County employee, let alone a County Commissioner who should be held to the highest standards as the chief elected official in County government.”
“The people of Schuylkill County deserve far more from their highest elected official and will settle for nothing less,” the quintet adds.
“It is with these thoughts in mind that we hereby demand your resignation as Schuylkill County Commissioner. We are unified in this request and feel strongly that anything short of resignation would be viewed as condoning your misconduct,” the quintet concludes. “Your failure to promptly resign your office will only further stigmatize our great Schuylkill County and the people who work so tirelessly to honorably serve our constituents. We strongly encourage you to act in the best interest of our County and resign your position.”
The county’s delegation to the Commonwealth House of Representatives is also calling for his resignation.
State Representatives Tim Twardzik, Jerry Knowles, and Joe Kerwin, all Republicans, asked Halcovage to resign, saying they believe it is in the best interests of all involved.
The call for resignation was made via a letter emailed to Halcovage.
The Schuylkill County Republican Committee also called for Halcovage to resign today.
“The Republican Party cherishes the highest standards of workplace equality and professionalism. Such behavior allegedly committed by Commissioner George Halcovage is inappropriate and cannot be tolerated,” the committee wrote in a letter signed by Chairman Howard Merrick, Vice Chair Robert Bylone, Assistant Chair Mary Labert, Larry Padora, and Ben Wiessner. “Commissioner Halcovage is entitled to due process, however, a dark cloud hovers over our courthouse and all the hardworking, honorable men and women serving the citizens of Schuylkill County.”
“The undersigned elected leaders of the Schuylkill County Republican Party stand as one with our elected Row Officers to insist that Commissioner Halcovage resign. The severity of the allegations and intensity of the federal lawsuit precludes Commissioner Halcovage from effectively executing his duties to the citizens of Schuylkill County,” they add.
The Republican committee joins the Schuylkill County Young Democrats, who called for Halcovage’s resignation earlier this week.
This Sunday, the Young Democrats have a rally planned at the Schuylkill County Courthouse to demand Halcovage’s resignation.
Read more about the lawsuit against Halcovage here.
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