Educator challenging for Bastian’s spot

BY KECIA BAL
The Tribune-Democrat

February 01, 2008 11:59 am

— A Meyersdale English teacher has thrown in his hat for state Rep. Bob Bastian’s seat.
“Especially over the past three or four years, things have gotten terribly partisan in Harrisburg,” said 49-year-old Stephen Smerbeck, who teaches English at Meyersdale Area High School.
“Things are not getting done.”
Smerbeck, a Democrat, said he wants to create results for the constituents of the 69th district, represented for five terms by Bastian, a Republican.
“If you look at the political map, it could be difficult to win as a Democrat,” Smerbeck said. “But, I feel my values reflect the majority of the values held in the 69th.”
A top priority for Smerbeck is education and making sure the district can offer “21st century” jobs for area graduates.
“With economic development, the area has so much to offer,” he said. “We are ready.”
He referred to the surge in coal mining opportunities, adding that other types of jobs will be needed as well if residents want area growth.
“I saw Pittsburgh wither after the mills closed, and then it re-invented itself,” he said. “I think the 69th district has just as much to offer.”
Already, he faces a challenger in the primary.
Ken Warnick of Meyersdale, student services director at Allegany College of Maryland, also is seeking the Democratic nod in April.
Smerbeck said he wants to look beyond politics and seek real change for the area, targeting hot-button issues such as property tax reform.
“We have got to find a way to relieve the burden from property owners, but at the same time, protect the economically vulnerable,” he said.
Smerbeck and his wife, Kate, have lived in the area for 23 years. Though he has not always aimed for political office – this is his first try – Smerbeck said the time is right.
“I don’t think we can afford to wait.”

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