Rally held for commissioner Halcovage to resign

Apr. 11—POTTSVILLE — Carrying signs with sayings like "Honk If You Hate Predators," more than 15 people gathered Saturday on the steps of the Schuylkill County Courthouse calling for county Commissioner George F. Halcovage Jr. to resign.

Halcovage is the subject of a federal lawsuit filed March 16 for his alleged sexual harassment of four female employees at the courthouse.

Carrying a sign that read "Man Up & Just Go," Janis Wise, of Schuylkill Haven, said she saw the planned protest on social media and wanted her voice to be heard.

"If he had any decency, he would resign. It's disruptive to the courthouse and I feel bad for his family," she said about Halcovage.

Wise said she feels Halcovage is getting special treatment because of his role in county government.

"I'm angry," she said. "If it was anyone else this would have been handled in a completely differently manner.

"Go slither under the rock you came from," she said about the commissioner.

Lisa Hollenbach, president of Schuylkill County Democratic Women's League which sponsored the rally, said that Halcovage deserves his due process regarding the allegations, but urged him to resign for the good of, not only his alleged victims, the entire county.

"George Halcovage is entitled to his due process but when it comes down to it, no one is talking about the victims," she said.

In urging Halcovage to resign, Hollenbach said, "Let him have his due process but just not while he's a commissioner."

She also questioned why Halcovage is continuing to act like nothing is happening.

"It's really shameful to have him parading around the county. It's embarrassing," Hollenbach said.

Kristie Ondisco, vice president of the women's league, said the alleged victims should not have to be afraid to come to work, something that is difficult since Halcovage is still at the courthouse.

A sign carried by Ondisco put her feelings into words: "Because Sexual Assault Shouldn't Be Part of Your Workday."

Jessica Miller, of Tuscarora, said she came to the rally not only to urge Halcovage to resign but also to show support for the victims of his alleged harassment.

"We need people to be aware of what is happening," she said.

Both the Schuylkill County Democratic Women's League and Schuylkill County Young Democrats have banded together to call for the resignation or impeachment of Halcovage since the allegations against him were brought to light in June of last year.

Halcovage continues to perform his duties at the courthouse despite being asked to resign by his fellow commissioners — Chairman Baron Hetherington and Commissioner Gary Hess.

Also coming out in public asking Halcovage to resign were Maria Casey, clerk of courts; Linda Marchalk, county treasurer; Ann Dudish, recorder of deeds, Bridget McGowan Miller, prothonotary; and Sharyn Yackenchick, acting controller.

A similar rally was conducted on the steps of the courthouse March 28 with more than 12 people participating.

An attempt to reach Halcovage for comment Saturday was unsuccessful.