Schuylkill County Controller Christy Joy announced Monday he’s leaving the job later this month.
Joy was last elected to the Controller position in November 2019. During the June 2020 Primary, Joy lost to Joe Kerwin Jr. in a bid for the Republican nomination to be State Representative for the 125th District.
Christy Joy Quitting as Schuylkill County Controller on July 17
Joy posted to social media around noon Monday, July 6, that he’s leaving the Schuylkill County Courthouse on July 17. He said he’s taking a job with Heim Construction, Orwigsburg.
“I leave the Controller’s Office in excellent shape and I will be accessible to ensure a smooth transition. I will make myself available to the external auditors and the acting Controller with regards to the annual Audit if necessary,” Joy says.
Joy says he was first approached about a job with Heim Construction prior to the pandemic business shutdowns. He balked taking the job then because he says he wanted to focus on the State Representative election.
“After the election, the discussion was reengaged. I received a formal offer on June 16th and accepted on June 24th. My wife, Heather and I agreed that taking this position would be best for our family,” Joy says.
He added, “I want to thank my staff in the Controller’s Office for their dedicated and professional service. I will never forget their support and tireless efforts. I also want to thank all County officials, administration, department heads and employees whose cooperation was invaluable. Finally, I want to thank the people of Schuylkill County and all those who have supported me over the years. I truly value my service as County Controller as one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
The Schuylkill County Republican Committee issued a brief statement. Chairman Dan Daub said, “Thank you Christy Joy for your dedicated service as Schuylkill County Controller. You used your knowledge and expertise to serve the county well, and we wish you the very best as you return to the private sector!”
Replacing Joy as Schuylkill County Controller
After Joy is out as Controller, the next person in that job will be appointed by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. The appointee would be confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate.
Because Joy was just elected in the last Municipal Election (2019), it’s likely his appointed replacement will serve for about 2 years. And then a special election would be held in 2021 for the rest of the 4-year term Joy won.
That comes from the Pennsylvania Constitution:
It shall be the duty of the Governor to appoint a suitable person to fill such office, who shall continue to hold and discharge the duties of the office until the first Monday in January following the next municipal election occurring not less than ninety days after the occurrence of the vacancy, or for the balance of the unexpired term, whichever period is shorter. If there is a municipal election occurring not less than ninety days after the occurrence of the vacancy, other than the one at which the office ordinarily is filled, then the office shall be filled at that election for the balance of the unexpired term. Such appointee shall be confirmed by the Senate if in session.
Turnover at the Courthouse
Joy’s exit from the Courthouse comes during a time of turmoil. Right now, Schuylkill County Commissioners Chairman George Halcovage faces allegations of sexual harassment and other workplace infractions. Some have called for Halcovage to resign. He’s promised to fight the allegations in court, if it comes to that. An internal county investigation determined it was “apparent” Halcovage violated 3 workplace policies at the Courthouse.
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