When America was in its early days, the rest of the world wondered how long a country could last without a single person to lead the nation. The idea that a group of free citizens, elected by the masses, would be able to govern a nation peacefully seemed absurd to many people around the world.

Thankfully democracy has worked, and elections have been a hallmark of freedom. Elected officials of local communities as well as states and the entire nation have been a time-honored practice since the early days of this country.

This year is an election year, and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette announced on March 14 those running for local government positions this year. Montgomery Borough as well as the surrounding townships that make up the Montgomery area have the following candidates:

Brady Township Supervisor: John Sear, Republican, six-year term.

Clinton Township Supervisor: Matthew Dodge, Republican, six-year term; Lanny D. Wertz, Republican, six-year term.

Montgomery Borough Mayor: Sean Leet, Republican, two-year term.

Montgomery Borough Council: Laurel K. Green, Democrat, four-year term, Ed E. Alexander, Republican, four-year term; Mark Barbier, Republican, four-year term; Clayton M. Steward, Republican, four-year term; Mark Barbier, Republican, two-year term.

Washington Township Supervisor: Kenneth J. Bashista, Democrat, six-year term; Devin O’Rourke, Republican, six-year term; Bonnie R. Taylor, Republican, six-year term.

THOT – “What is most important of this grand experiment, the United States? Not the election of the first president but the election of its second president. The peaceful transition of power is what will separate this country from every other country in the world.” George Washington

In loving memory of my Gram, Dorothy Harman, who originally began this column more than thirty years ago. She would have celebrated her eighty-eighth birthday on March 25.

Congratulations to Jo Ann Murray for being named the Montgomery Area Athletic and Community Center Member of the Month and to Novalee Leonard for receiving the Student Recognition Award from the Williamsport Lycoming Chamber of Commerce at their annual banquet last week. Brittney Monoski received the Outstanding Educator Award for Montgomery School District.

Many thanks to Fae Herb for being in charge of Montgomery’s Hometown Hero Banner project again this year.

Virtuoso’s Spring Musical “Mama Mia!” will be performed in the high school auditorium on April 26 and 27 at 7 pm and on April 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.showtix4u.com.

Hometown Hero Banners are available for order. The early bird discount of 15% must be paid in full by April 5th. After that date banners will be $210 and will be due September 6. Order forms are available at the Montgomery Borough Office and Montgomery Weis Market. Questions can be directed to Fae Herb at 570-506-9892 or fherb@montgomeryborough.org.

Montgomery Events

Thurs. Mar. 21 The Montgomery Area Historical Society will host a program on the Soldier’s Monument in Fairview Cemetery. The guest speaker will be Fae Herb who will also share information on Montgomery’s Gold Star servicemen. The talk begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Adam Room and will be followed by an Open House. Admission is free and the public is welcome.

Mon. Mar. 25 The Clinton Township Supervisors will meet in the Municipal Building at 6:30 p.m.

Tues. Mar. 26 Montgomery’s Nifty Knitters and Crafty Crocheters will be meeting at the library at 6 p.m. Please bring your own project to work on.

Tues. Mar. 26 There will be a Teen Advisory Committee meeting and Teen Game Night at the library at 6 p.m. Ages 12-17 are welcome.

Tues. Mar. 26 The Montgomery Community Development Corps will have a meeting in the Adam Room at 6:30 p.m. Their current focus is to improve Montgomery Park.

Weds. Mar. 27 The Montgomery library will have Toddler Tales from 11-noon.

Weds. Mar. 27 Spring Red Raider Night to honor the Spring sports teams will be held at the Montgomery Area Athletic and Community Center at 7 p.m.

Fri. Mar. 29 Family Story Time will be held at the library at 5 p.m.