By Whitney Roper, Contributing Writer

The primary is underway for the Democratic candidates seeking the one open Democratic slot for Dauphin County Commissioner. Incumbent George Hartwick is vying for the seat he currently holds.

The news that there would not be a joint run with incumbent Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick (D) and businessman candidate Eric Papenfuse (D) but rather that incumbent Hartwick would be running mates with Wendy Jackson-Dowe of Susquehanna Township (D), makes for an interesting primary to watch for in Dauphin County.

Ultimately, after an attempt to have Hartwick and Papenfuse on the same ticket didn’t work out, party committee members didn’t endorse anyone for the two commissioner slots.

Papenfuse told The Patriot News that he believes that he and Hartwick could not be aligned as a team because Hartwick is ‘too close to Haste and Pries’ and that he is running a joint re-election with them.

George Hartwick was elected as commissioner in 2003 after serving two successful terms as mayor of Steelton Borough. At the time of his election for mayor, he was the youngest mayor ever elected in Pennsylvania at age 24. He is held in high regard, being described to have ‘strong leadership style and a proactive, results-oriented approach.’ In 2006, he won the “Government Leader of the Year” Award. Now as the minority commissioner in an open primary, he must face competition from three other qualified democrats.

Rev. Alvin Q. Taylor (D), a democratic committeeman, who ran unsuccessfully in 2007 for commissioner hopes to have better luck this time around.

“My interest as a candidate for commissioner is to address the many issues facing the citizens of Dauphin County. I entered this election to provide: 1) Trusted leadership. 2) Accountability. 3) Executive/managerial experience to the position.”

Incumbents Jeff Haste (R) and Mike Pries (R) have teamed up and received the GOP endorsement early on.

Haste has been on the Board of County Commissioners since 2002, first being appointed after John P. Doyne resigned, and then elected into office by voters in 2003 and 2007. Prior to his current position, Haste served as Director of Government Relations and Business Development for consulting engineering firm of Herbert, Rowland and Grubic, Inc.; he served in the Pennsylvania General Assembly as a full-time state legislator for the 104th District; PennDOT, state Senate, Republican State Committee and the Department of State. He has served multiple operational facets of the county since 1988.

Pries was sworn into office as commissioner and chosen as vice chairman, on September 1st, 2010. He has over two decades of experience in county government. During his eleven year service as the Director of Safety and Security for Dauphin County, Pries brought many improvements to the county including security enhancements and checks and employee training program expansions. He is also considered as a devoted community volunteer.