69th candidates to meet public in tonight’s forum

By KIRK SWAUGER
The Tribune-Democrat

SOMERSET March 25, 2008 11:26 pm

— Seven candidates looking to replace retiring state Rep. Bob Bastian will have a chance to explain their platforms and meet the public at a forum tonight sponsored by The Tribune-Democrat and WJAC.
The forum begins at 7:30 p.m. at Somerset Area High School.
“Obviously, it’s a critical election for the 69th district,” Tribune-Democrat Editor Chip Minemyer said.
“We want to work together to give voters the opportunity to come out, meet the candidates and get a sense of who they are before April 22.”
It is the first of three forums for House races in Somerset and Cambria counties, all three in districts where veteran state lawmakers are retiring.
Along with Bastian, state Reps. Ed Wojnaroski, D-Johnstown, and Tom Yewcic, D-Jackson Township, are stepping aside.
The other forums will take place at 7 p.m. April 2 at Richland High School’s auditorium for Wojnaroski’s 71st district and 7 p.m. April 3 at Windber High School’s auditorium for Yewcic’s 72nd district. The 69th District covers the southern two-thirds of Somerset County.
“I think it’s an excellent opportunity,” Somerset Schools Superintendent David Pastrick said. “It’s important for the community, and myself, to hear the candidates all at one time.
“We complain about politics, we complain about politicians. Well, now’s the chance. If you don’t become an educated voter, shame on you.”
Candidates for the 69th district include Republicans Joe Betta, a retired marine from Somerset; Mike Brendle, a Lincoln Township businessman; Ed Sroka, a Bakersville construction-company owner; John Ferko of Shanksville, who narrowly lost in the race for Somerset County Commissioner last year; and Somerset lawyer Carl Metzgar.
Democrats are Ken Warnick of Meyersdale, director of student services at Allegany College of Maryland, and Stephen Smerbeck of Somerset, an English teacher at Meyersdale Area High School.