Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Coal Region Canary
Coal Region CanaryCoal Region Canary

2019 Municipal Primary

2019 Pottsville Primary Election Preview — Even the Trump Train Can’t Get Here

Democrats maintain control of Pottsville government. And it looks like that’s going to be the case for at least another 4 years.

In order to win elections, you actually need to put candidates on the ballot.

And Pottsville Republicans heading to the polls on primary day May 21 aren’t going to see a lot of names for city offices.

It’s more like a name. One.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1658728627906147

Dave Clews, a business owner in Pottsville, is the lone Republican appearing on the primary ballot for a city office. He wants one of two city council seats.

With just one GOP challenger on the ballot, the Democrats most likely will get at least one of those council seats.

The Republicans aren’t even putting up a fight for the treasurer or controller’s seats.

What Happened to the #MAGA Vote in Schuylkill County?

2019 pottsville primary election

A lot of local politicians failed to take advantage of the Make America Great Again movement. The 2019 municipal election is the first chance to see if it works here.

And here we are looking at a Pottsville primary ballot with a single GOP name on it.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1658728627906147

There’s a strong MAGA movement inside Pottsville. Trump didn’t carry the city vote like he did everywhere else in Schuylkill County. But a Republican pulling out the win in the city that’s been run by Democrats for decades can’t be ignored. But it is.

ClintonTrumpCastleSteinJohnsonWrite in
1st Ward711473552
2nd Ward19928724156
3rd Ward Pct. 2871141032
3rd Ward Pct. 117424717167
3rd Ward Pct. 311217103104
4th Ward26228558196
5th Ward Pct. 117520415104
5th Ward Pct. 218530034102
6th Ward1502981886
7th Ward Pct. 1313478551711
7th Ward Pct. 2365432361811
TOTALS20932963255513161

Someone needs to rattle the cages of the dormant Pottsville GOP. There’s no excuse for not finding a challenger for each of these seats.

This is a clear example of the general public being tuned out of local politics.

Of course, there’s still time to get candidates on the ballot for the General Election in November.  It’d be a shame to let this first (and hopefully not last) opportunity to seize the MAGA movement energy and bring it to city politics.

As it stands now, we’re looking at at least 4 more years of whatever this status quo has become.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1658728627906147

2019 Pottsville Primary Election

Here’s a look at the candidates running for the offices that appear on the primary ballot on May 21. Don’t forget to check back on Election Night for full coverage of the big races that night.

Pottsville City Council Primary Election

There are three candidates on the primary ballot. All of them will move on to the General Election.

Republicans can pick local businessman Dave Clews to vie for this seat in November. The Democrats are putting up Edmund Jones, another businessman, and Dorothy Botto.

CandidatePartyVotesWin (*)
David ClewsREP0
Edmund J. JonesDEM0
Dorothy L. BottoDEM0

Pottsville City Treasurer Election

Longtime incumbent Ellen Micka is seeking another 4-year term as Pottsville City Treasuer. There are no other candidates on the primary ballot.

CandidatePartyVotesWin (*)
Ellen MickaDEM0

Pottsville City Controller Election

For City Controller, Democrat Bill Messaros is running for a 4-year term. He’s got no primary challenger and there are no Republicans on the ballot.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1658728627906147
CandidatePartyVotesWin (*)
Bill MessarosDEM0
NO CANDIDATEREP0

Pottsville Area School District Election

The following 6 candidates have cross-filed as Democrats and Republicans for the primary election: Mike Cardamone, Linda Wytovich, Ann M. Blankenhorn, Ashley Dewitt, Craig S. Shields, and Bob Hoppe. They’re after 5 seats on the Pottsville Area School District school board. TOP 5 WIN ON EACH TICKET
UNOFFICIAL FINAL RESULTS

CandidatePartyVotesWin (*)
Ann BlankenhornREP910WIN
Linda WytovichREP823WIN
Mike CardamoneREP769WIN
Craig ShieldsREP763WIN
Ashley DewittREP736WIN
Bob HoppeREP684
Linda WytovichDEM927WIN
Ann BlankenhornDEM918WIN
Craig ShieldsDEM878WIN
Ashley DewittDEM846WIN
Mike CardamoneDEM802WIN
Bob HoppeDEM707

Subscribe to Coal Region Canary

Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!
Loading

News Tips?

Let us know of news happening in your area. Use our NEWS TIPS ENTRY FORM
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More From The Canary

Local News

His admission is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg in this case.

Local Business News

Redevelopment clearly in the works.

Schuylkill County Man

Two spotlights, actually ... and they were floodlights.

Local News

They always say the key to getting ahead in life is in who you know. Nowhere is that more true than in Schuylkill County,...

Local News

Don't miss Public Comments at the beginning!

Local News

Rovers and machine delivery drivers will get a modest bump in pay.

PA Lottery Numbers

The Powerball jackpot has surged to $850 million for tonight’s drawing, following an increase from $835 million on Wednesday morning due to robust ticket...

Local Business News

Jobs paying up to $18.75 per hour available.

Local News

Is Meuser changing his mind on Ukraine funding?

Local News

Bomb threat was part of a nationwide chain of threats.

Advertisement https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1658728627906147