SELINSGROVE – Is the future of the Selinsgrove Center in jeopardy? That question was posed to four Snyder County Commissioner candidates at a forum hosted this week by the Susquehanna Valley Conservatives.
Democratic incumbent Commissioner Peggy Chamberlain Roup is not concerned, “I don’t see the Selinsgrove Center closing. CMSU has been working very closely with Danville State Hospital and the Selinsgrove Center. I know that the grounds have been consolidated and renovated in accordance with federal law. We also have the Department of Public Welfare there. We house foster grandparents there on the complex and there is a childcare center on the complex. It’s put to good use as it is now and I will always favor keeping it open and available to those who need it the most.”
Republican incumbent chairman commissioner Joe Kantz had a different perspective, “Things do change and as much as I would advocate to keep it open, I would advocate just as strongly, if not more strongly, to bring in private industry, which I have been working hard at, very much so lately. We’ve got lots of people that want a good paying job with life sustaining wages and benefits. I’d love to see some of those companies and work hard to bring them to Snyder County so we can provide those life sustaining wage jobs.”
Republican incumbent vice-chair Commissioner Malcolm Derk said, “The Selinsgrove Center has a vital place in our community and needs to be maintained. There are individuals affected with intellectual disabilities that need the kind of services that can only be provided at a center like that.” He added that economic development is also vital.
And republican candidate Elizabeth Paige of Monroe Township said, “I’m hoping that we’ll be able to talk to our state legislators about what is going on there and maybe get some help from them. I’m sure there is also a good use if we have to downsize the Selinsgrove Center. That property could be useful in many other ways, bringing other job opportunities into the county.
There is one other candidate for Snyder County Commissioner. Democrat Naomi Hoffman did not attend the candidate’s forum in Lewisburg. (Ali Stevens)