A large crowd gathered in the Dobbin House’s Abigail Adams Ballroom Friday morning to listen to what has become quadrennial Adams County tradition – Jim Martin and Randy Phiel announcing their candidacies for Adams County commissioner.
The pair of Republicans first took office in 2012; if successful, the term that begins in 2024 will be their fourth. Martin and Phiel told supporters they have enjoyed their run and hope to build upon their successes.
“Is commissioner a full-time job?” Phiel asked rhetorically. “It is what you make it, but for Jim and I, it is a full-time job plus. I believe the proof is in the achievement.”
Phiel touted a long list of accomplishments, including opening the historic courtroom for commissioners meetings, installing a digital emergency radio system, consolidating tax services from four offices to one, paying off debt, supporting the Adams County Economic Development Corporation, reducing the number of tax appeals, consolidating the planning office, converting the former Herff Jones plant in Cumberland Township to the Adams County Human Services Building, supporting the treasurer’s office serving as tax collector for municipalities that cannot fill the position, maintaining a high bond rating, restructuring the veterans’ affairs office, intervening when the former owner of Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens misappropriated funds and was unable to complete burials, converting the former Mercy House convent into an inpatient and outpatient treatment center for substance abusers, donating $1 million to the Adams County Historical Society, supporting land preservation, adapting to election law changes, opening the law enforcement training range, spearheading a broadband internet initiative with Franklin County, and distributing American Rescue Plan Act funds. The commissioners are also working to attract a Pennsylvania Ag Discovery Center to the county and open a new childcare center in Straban Township.
Phiel said he and Martin work well together because he focuses on “big picture” while Martin excels at details.
Martin said of all of the accomplishments Phiel listed, he is most proud of the radio project and Human Services Building.
“These two things really had a dramatic impact on me and put a kick in my step,” Martin said. “That kick is still there.”
Other Republican leaders joined the pair at the podium to express their support, including Rep. Dan Moul, Rep. Torren Ecker, and Misty Ann Wagner-Grillo from Congressman John Joyce’s office.
“We have been working as a team for many, many years for the betterment of Adams County,” Moul, who has been in office since 2007, said. “The fact I got re-elected last time tells me the people want this team to stay together.”
Ecker noted the size of the crowd and called Phiel and Martin “the central glue that keeps us all together.”
“This room kind of embodies what I think Adams County is all about,” he said.
Former Franklin County Commissioner G. Warren Elliott, a 45-year friend of Phiel, served as event emcee. He praised Phiel’s “honesty and diligence.”
“What he exemplifies as a friend is the same person he is as a county commissioner,” Elliott said.
Election info
County positions available in the 2023 election are commissioner, district attorney, register and recorder, county controller, prothonotary, and coroner. About half of the seats on every school board, borough council, and township board of supervisors will also be open.
County Elections Director Angie Crouse said nomination petitions will be available in early February. The primary election will be held May 16 and the General Election is Nov. 7.
Featured image caption: Republican Adams County Commissioners Jim Martin, left, and Randy Phiel are seeking re-election in 2023. (Photo by Alex J. Hayes)
Alex J. Hayes has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is passionate about sharing stories focused on the people in our communities and following local governments in an age when few journalists report on their meetings. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania. Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.