Official Election Results Reveal Final Commissioner Challengers
After absentee ballots were counted yesterday, Democrat George Skamai secured the second-most votes. Incumbent Commissioner David Battaglia received the second-most Republican votes to round out the four candidates for this November’s General Election.
by Jonathan Weaver
Every vote counted in May’s Primary Election race for the next Armstrong County Commissioners.
The ‘final four’ Armstrong County Commissioner candidates scheduled to appear on this November’s General Election ballot have now been set.
After a review of absentee ballot votes after a close election following all precincts being recorded, Democrat George Skamai, of Rural Valley, and incumbent Republican Dave Battaglia, of Rayburn Township, will be the final two of the four Armstrong County Commissioner candidates.
Skamai was less than two dozen votes ahead of fellow challenger Anthony Shea, Jr. Tuesday, and both exchanged more absentee ballots but Skamai remained the second-most voted Democrat.
Skamai received multiple phone calls and text messages regarding the news - including from current Commissioners Rich Fink and Bob Bower.
“I’m honored to be one of the four candidates,” Skamai said. “Collectively, there’s a lot to offer among the four of us in experiences, ideas and vision for this county.”
He compared the current situation to that of a winning football coach in the playoffs and looked at candidate Pat Fabian - the top Democratic vote-getter as an ally.
“I feel like I haven’t done anything yet,” Skamai said. “As much as I appreciate being part of the ‘playoffs,’ the ultimate goal is to be elected and contribute to the welfare of the county.”
Shea was not available for comment.
Battaglia led former Commissioner Pattry Kirkpatrick by 34 votes yesterday and built on his lead to secure the second Republican nomination.
Fabian, of Manor Township, and Republican Jason Renshaw, of South Buffalo Township, were the other two candidates who already secured enough votes out of the total-15 candidates effective Tuesday evening.
Further calls to County Election Director Wendy Buzzard were not answered yesterday afternoon after news of the final result.
Local News | jweaver May 21, 2015
By jorn jensen, May 21, 2015 @ 8:51 AM
George Skamai’s ‘history’ at the mushroom mine is troubling. We’ll see what the general election brings.
By worthingtonman, May 21, 2015 @ 9:45 AM
To the Republican voters: Really???? Batts glia again! Does he have a new campaign manager he will have to create a job for? Maybe another job for another friend? Do we never learn? Looks like I will be voting democrat this cycle with a lot of other people I know. I would rather vote for a democrat than a Republican who had little to no financial compass. It is just beyond me how any conservative could consider Battaglias track record with his across the board raises and reckless creation of new positions.
By sbmworker, May 21, 2015 @ 7:11 PM
I’m so hoping Skamai does NOT get elected in the fall. He is the biggest rat of all. He will say what he has to and do what he has to, to get where he wants! Saw it at MM. No 20-some year old ever got a management position but him. He had the brownest nose of all! Please people do not be fooled by this lovely family picture. That smile shows what a snake he is! Plus, he is backed by Fink and that says enough right there! I support the other elected men but trust me, Armstrong County does not want him as commissioner!