State Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) introduced a resolution on Tuesday seeking to remove Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage from office.
Halcovage, of course, is facing a federal civil lawsuit over sexual harassment allegations. And a 2020 internal Courthouse investigation determined the Commissioner violated several workplace policies related to sexual harassment.
The Commissioner has ignored calls for him to resign from office and continues to deny the allegations against him.
Argall Trying to Remove Halcovage Through Senate Investigation
The State House is expected to vote today to begin an investigation that could lead to Halcovage’s impeachment and removal from office. But Argall is trying another route.
The Senate resolution he’s introducing cites Article VI, Section 7 of the Pennsylvania Constitution. That allows for a Senate investigation into a public official’s alleged misdeeds while in office and potential removal from office.
If it’s eventually successful, Argall’s bill would need a two-thirds majority of the Senate to approve it before it would be signed by the Governor.
“Almost every single state and county elected official representing Schuylkill County has now called upon Commissioner Halcovage to resign,” Argall says in a statement. “We must take bipartisan action to address this situation. That’s why I have introduced this resolution.”
The Argall resolution to remove Halcovage from office would ask the Senate to first establish a Special Committee to investigate the claims and allegations against the Commissioner. It would then be returned to the Senate for a final vote on whether or not to remove him from office.
And if and when that Special Committee convenes, it would mean there’s a chance the House and Senate would each be conducting its own investigation at the same time. That could mean witnesses and evidence would have to be collected twice.
We asked Argall’s office about the idea of subjecting alleged victims and others close to the Halcovage drama to a second investigation in Harrisburg.
Argall tells The Canary that he worked with Schuylkill County’s three representatives in the House prior to introducing this resolution.
“I decided to introduce this resolution after working closely with Rep. Knowles, Rep. Kerwin, Rep. Twardzik, and House and Senate attorneys to determine the best legal path forward. I hope to see action taken soon in the House and the Senate,” he says.
LATEST ON THE HALCOVAGE SAGA:
- Schuylkill Commissioners Want to Fire 2 Jane Doe Plaintiffs – Action Put Off Pending Investigation
- Vote to Authorize Halcovage Impeachment Investigation Expected on Nov. 10
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