Smithgall, who served two terms as mayor, is expected to announce his intentions at 9 a.m. today at Wheatland.

Contacted by phone Friday, Smithgall was reluctant to discuss the matter.

“I’m not satisfied with the way the whole county is running,” Smithgall said when pressed for a reason for his decision. “That’s all I’ll say. I’ll have more (Saturday).”

However, in an e-mail invitation circulated to friends, supporters and Republican committee members on Friday, Smithgall wrote, “Recently you received a letter from me stating that I was considering running for Lancaster County commissioner and asking for feedback. I appreciate all of those who contacted me and gave me your honest input!

“After careful consideration and with the support of family and friends, I have decided to announce my candidacy for Lancaster County commissioner. You will receive a letter within the next couple of days detailing my experience and asking for your support.

“In the meantime, I will be making a formal announcement tomorrow (Saturday) at 9 a.m. on the lawn of Wheatland, the home of former President James Buchanan. I would like to invite you to attend this event so that I can start work listening to your input and winning your support.”

State Sen. Gibson E. Armstrong, a longtime supporter of Smithgall, said he will be present “with bells on.”

“(Smithgall) brings with him proven leadership and success,” Armstrong said. “I will support him without a doubt — 100 percent.”

Another longtime supporter, Ted Darcus, said Smithgall did “well for the city” during his eight years as mayor and should be able to function just as well on the county level.

“He’s a people person and a smart businessman,” said Darcus, chairman of Lancaster County Convention Center Authority. “He understands business, and I feel he can do just as well as anyone else, if not better.”

Attempts to reach city GOP committee Chairman Russ Miller for comment Friday were not successful.

One GOP committee person, who asked not to be identified, sees some potential problems with Smithgall’s candidacy.

While the committee member had no doubt Smithgall will fare will in the city, his support for the proposed Lancaster convention center could cost him dearly in the county, the person said.

“There’s a lot of opposition to the convention center in the county,” the committee member said. “Voters there may just ignore him.”

Smithgall is the most recent Republican to announce his bid for commissioner.

On Jan. 6, county controller Dennis Stuckey announced his plans to run, joining Rapho Township supervisors Jere Swarr and Lowell Fry, Lancaster Township supervisor Tony Allen and county Register of Wills Donna Reinaker in the race for the county’s top office.

And that field will expand even more.

Sources within the county GOP say one hour after Smithgall’s announcement, county Youth Intervention Center director Scott Martin will declare his intention to join the race. Martin reportedly will make his announcement at 10 a.m. today on the steps of the old Lancaster County Courthouse on East King Street.

Attempts to reach Martin for comment Friday were not successful.

Meanwhile, sources inside the Republican Party said the 14-member screening committee, chaired by former county commissioner Terry Kauffman, supported the candidacy of both Smithgall and Fry.

The committee, however, did not recommend Swarr.

Contacted by phone Friday night, Swarr said he will continue to take his case to the county Republican committee in hope of earning the party’s endorsement Feb. 13.

“Nothing’s changed on my campaign except that I’ll have to work harder,” Swarr said. “I have quite a bit of support out there.”

Three Democrats are seeking election: incumbent Molly Henderson, former Lancaster city councilman Craig Lehman and former Mount Joy councilman Charles Groff.

All three county commissioner seats are up for grabs.

Commissioner Dick Shellenberger has already announced he will not seek re-election; Commissioner Pete Shaub resigned last month.


Larry Alexander’s e-mail address is lalexander@lnpnews.com.