State Sen. Scott Wagner of York County, the first Republican to announce his candidacy for governor in 2018, will be the featured speaker at the McKean County Republican Committee’s spring dinner April 24.
The dinner is set for 6:30 p.m. at the Pennhills Club, according to Stacy Wallace, chair of the county’s GOP committee.
Wagner was elected to the Senate in March 2014. Born and raised in York Township and a graduate of Dallastown Area High School, he started his first small business at the age of 20. President and owner of York-based Penn Waste Inc. and KBS Trucking in Thomasville, Wagner does not accept a government pension or per diems. He is not seeking re-election to the Senate in order to share his message in the gubernatorial race.
Other speakers at the dinner include both candidates running for McKean County controller in the May 16primary.
Jody Bloomquist, who is running for the position, is from Kane. He graduated from Indiana (Pa.) University with a degree in accounting in 1990. Upon graduation, he joined the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Lafayette Township.
Bloomquist transferred several times within the prison system, ultimately spending 10 years in Washington, D.C., as the chief of accounting policies and procedures. Upon retirement, he returned home to McKean County and he currently serves as an accountant for the Guidance Center in Bradford. He lives in Kane with his wife, Libby.
Also running for controller is Dustin Laurie, who currently serves as director of finance for McKean County and has held that position for the past 12 years, working closely with the county controller and treasurer.
Previously, Laurie was employed by Cameron, Elk and McKean Counties MH/MR Program as chief financial officer. A 1995 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford with a degree in business management/accounting, he and his wife, Kathleen Magnetti Laurie, live in Bradford.
Invited guests also include statewide judicial candidates as well as Vincent Fusca of Pittsburgh, known internationally for his Trump van and customized Trump memorabilia.
Reservations are $25 per person and should be made by Friday. For information call Gayle Bauer at 368 3466 or email mckeangop@gmail.com.
