By Rob Scott
COAL TOWNSHIP -- Last Monday, on the way to Harrisburg to see Hillary Clinton, Eleanor Kuhns mailed out letters to the editor criticizing Northumberland County commissioners for doling out hefty raises to court employees.
It was a fitting final act for perhaps the most outspoken, politically-active woman in the county's history.
On the ride back, Kuhns suffered a stroke and a heart attack. She never regained consciousness and passed away Sunday morning at Geisinger Medical Center.
Kuhns, 82, was appointed as Northumberland County commissioner in 1993 to replace the late Charles Lewis. She was, and still is, the first woman to serve in that role
"I personally thought it was one of my best decisions," Judge Barry Feudale said, recalling his and Judge Samuel Ranck's decision to appoint Kuhns.
Feudale got to know Kuhns very well over the past 20-plus years, particularly after she began supporting him in his run for county judge in the 1980s.
"She was the voice of the disenfranchised, of people who didn't have the courage or the time to go (to public meetings)," Feudale said as he wrote up her eulogy Sunday night. "She epitomized a citizen's involvement in government."
Kuhns was a constant presence at county commissioner's meetings and, according to the current board, her voice will be sorely missed.
"It's a big loss for the taxpayers of Northumberland County," said Commissioner Vinny Clausi. "She was a fighter for people across the county."
Commissioner Kurt Masser, who occasionally butted political heads with Kuhns, said her involvement was a benefit, regardless of where she stood on the issues.
"It's OK if you don't see eye-to-eye on everything," he said. "In fact, it's a very healthy debate ... It certainly plays a role (as an elected official), because it certainly keeps you on your toes."
"I am very sorry she passed away and I think her legacy will be developed as time goes on," said Commissioner Frank Sawicki.
According to longtime friend Audrey Wiest, Kuhns already has a rich legacy of standing up her fellow citizens. Besides being county commissioner, Kuhns also served as Coal Township commissioner, was a member of the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union, was president of the local chapter of the Alliance for Retired Americans and was a Democratic state committeewoman.
"She was committed because her parents were immigrants and were devoted to America and she picked that up," Wiest said. "She saw how hard the miners worked and never forgot that ... That's where her commitment came from.
"She had to courage of her convictions, as few do today."
Kuhns got the chance to meet Mrs. Clinton at a rally in Harrisburg last Monday, Wiest said. "She said to Hillary, We're going to work like hell for you tomorrow, honey.' And (Clinton) said, Oh, thank you,' and kissed her on the cheek."
Sadly, Kuhns would never get the chance to cast her vote for the first viable female presidential candidate in history. Wiest rushed Kuhns to Shamokin Area Community Hospital after she lost consciousness in the car. She was transferred to Geisinger Medical Center the next day.
"I'm going to miss her," Feudale said. "She's one courageous woman."
n E-mail comments to rscott@dailyitem.com.
