My name is Blythe Evans and I am running for Luzerne County Council. I would like to introduce myself and explain why I am running for a position on the new Luzerne County Council. I grew up in Plymouth where I still live today. My father was an attorney and my mother was a Sunday school teacher. I received an Associates Degree from Valley Forge Military College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Moravian College and a third degree in Legal Studies from Harrisburg Area Community College. I own and operate a rental business and a recording/mastering studio based in Plymouth. My grandparents, the Reverend Harold F. Mante and Bettie Mante ministered at the Forty Fort Presbyterian Church from 1953 to 1979. They, along with my parents, raised me in the traditions of faith and family values helping me to spiritually grow in the Christian walk. I intend to carry these values forward during my campaign for County Council and if elected, will continue in my fight to put citizens first.

I believe that we will need fresh ideas to move forward and I hope to bring those new ideas to the platform of the County Council. Some of those ideas include changes in our tax code, protecting our natural resources from special interests and most importantly, a sobering examination of the way money is being spent in the county. We have seen what self-serving behavior and corruption has done for Luzerne County and this must end. I am not a career politician. I have not accepted endorsements from any political groups and I have never taken money from organizations looking to finance my run for County Council. I am simply a private citizen looking to put taxpayers first.

Keep taxes low so that incentive is not discouraged like it is in Socialist countries.

Stop Washington DC lobbyists from meddling in the affairs and day to day lives of citizens.

Protect our environment and our natural resources from pollution, fracking and other wasteful practices by corporate greed.

Build and maintain a strong military to protect us from various terrorist threats around the world.

Appoint federal judges who will adhere to the Constitution and not make laws as they go along, bypassing the constitutional provisions for amending the Constitution.

Secure the borders.

What past experiences qualify you to serve on the County Council?

I own and operate two lucrative and successful businesses based in my hometown of Plymouth. I balance budgets, hire employees and implement business strategies for expansion, all completed under time deadlines and operating costs. I am the current President of the Plymouth Public Library Board of Directors and also hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Moravian College, an Associates degree from Valley Forge Military College and a third Associates Degree in Advanced Legal Studies from Harrisburg Area Community College.

Did you support the home rule in the last election?  Why or why not?

I voted for and supported the home rule charter in the last election because I think that the system of government we had in Luzerne County was ineffective and was very self serving to the people who were elected to office to do their job for the taxpayers.


What do you see as the most important challenge facing Luzerne County and how do you plan on addressing that challenge?

The most important challenge facing Luzerne County is the electing of the County Council and the appointment of the County Manager in January 2012 when the County Council is sworn into office.