DANVILLE — Bernie Swank, a former Montour County commissioner and borough mayor, is trying to unseat three-term incumbent Mayor Ed Coleman on Nov. 3.
Swank, a Republican, served eight years as mayor, starting in 1990, and three terms as a county commissioner, beginning in 1996.
She said her most important achievement while mayor was convincing Giant Markets to open a store in Danville, giving shoppers a choice in supermarkets and employing more than 100 people.
“It took seven years and many meetings,” she said. “I thank council for having a great part in that. The borough really cooperated. I had a good working relationship with them.”
Coleman, a Democrat, pointed to his tie-breaking votes on important local issues, as well as his efforts working with the police department as examples of his accomplishments in office.
During budget time last year, Coleman vetoed the budget and called for the Borough Council to reopen the spending plan because he opposed raising taxes and hiring an additional employee.
The council held a special meeting to vote again, but enacted the tax increase and added the employee.
Coleman broke a tie council vote for insurance for the borough, resulting in the contract being awarded to a local firm.
Coleman said he urged Police Chief Eric Gill to start the Neighborhood Watch Program, which “is taking off and is doing well.”
Coleman, who was instrumental in Gill being appointed police chief, said, “Chief Gill has exceeded all council’s expectations and most of mine as chief. He has gotten $175,000 in grants for the borough. That is unheard of for a police chief.”
The 72-year-old is also a real estate agent with Prudential Hodrick.
“I got my license two weeks before I was elected mayor,” said Coleman, who retired after 31 years as a rural carrier for the Danville post office. He also owned a hotel-tavern for 20 years.
Swank, 68, said she is running for mayor due to requests from many people wanting a choice for the office and “because of the experience I have in that position.”
“I’m a people person. I enjoy meeting, greeting and helping people,” she said.
Swank has lived in Danville for 36 years. She opened Bernie’s Hair Emporium, where she served as owner-operator for 32 years.
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