Kelleher announces run for County Council

Dallas Township resident Eugene Kelleher has announced his candidacy for Luzerne County Council.

A Republican and incumbent council member, Kelleher said he believes the new home-rule government “has made great strides.”

Kelleher cited several examples: all candidates for authority, board and commission seats were publicly interviewed to select the most qualified and eliminate nepotism and cronyism; all budget discussions were conducted at public meetings; and citizen input at public meetings is “encouraged.”

County codes and policies must be revised, and Kelleher said he wants citizens to submit suggested revisions to the council clerk.

Kelleher said he is seeking a “final” term, in part, because he wants to ensure the county continues its “transparent budget process that produces balanced budgets” and aims to reduce the county’s debt.

County Council cannot interfere with the county manager’s ability to effectively consolidate parts of county government “into a cohesive and efficient operation,” he said.

“The county taxpayers must have a government that encourages cooperation and communication between the county manager and the County Council,” Kelleher said.

Kelleher served on Plymouth Borough Council in 1980 and has served as a Little League coach, church choir director and high school coach. He started an ecumenical group in the Back Mountain after he retired seven years ago.

He has a bachelor’s degree in math education and a master’s degree in math.

Kelleher worked as a high-school math teacher for 35 years and in the financial-services sector for eight years.

He and his wife, Deborah Anne, have three children and are grandparents as well.