Pottsville City Councilman Mark J. Atkinson has announced his candidacy for the office of Schuylkill County Prothonotary.
Atkinson cites his military and municipal government experience as being uniquely qualified for the position.
Having served as a Weapons & Communications Officer of a forward deployed medical unit in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Lead Petty Officer for the Force Medical Protection of 1,100 active duty & reserve Marines assigned to the 4th Marine Air Wing, Marine Aircraft Group 49 presented demanding challenges in high stress environments. During his time on City Council, Atkinson had spent six years serving as the Director of Public Safety overseeing one of the largest volunteer fire departments in Pennsylvania.
Since 2016, he has been serving as the Director of Accounts & Finance where he administers an annual budget of over $8 million. During his tenure as the Director of Accounts & Finance, the City has received an A+ Bond Rating and implemented healthcare costs reductions that produce annual dividends up to $500,000.00 in addition to changes in the Business Tax Office that has resulted in a significant increase in revenue.
Atkinson stated that one of his initial priorities will be to correct any outstanding financial issues that currently exist within the prothonotary office.
Atkinson stated that one of his initial priorities will be to correct any outstanding financial issues that currently exist within the prothonotary office.
“There are currently two subpoenas issued to the prothonotary office seeking the financial records of that office, I’m hopeful those documents will be delivered to the controller before November, if not I will insure the requested information is turned over in an expeditious manner” said Atkinson.
Upgrading computer systems and office availability will be other items of importance to Atkinson.
In addition to serving in the military and City Council, Mark had spent two years on the board of directors for the Pottsville Parking Authority and is currently a lieutenant in the Pottsville Fire Department with over 32 years of firefighting service. He previously served on the Advisory Board to the Sexual Assault Resource Counseling Center (SARCC), The Schuylkill County Local Emergency Planning Committee, Pennsylvania Counter-Terrorism Task Force, Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council (Rescue Task Force, EMS for Children and Paramedic Advisory Committees). He taught structural firefighting and rescue for the Bucks County Community College, Harrisburg Area Community College, Lehigh Carbon Community College and served as an Adjunct Instructor to the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy. As a veteran, Mark is a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Catholic War Veterans and American Legion. Many citizens throughout the county may recognize him as the division bagpiper for the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Pottsville.
Mark is married to his wife of 28 years, Kandi (Smith) and with three children and one grandchild. He resides in Pottsville and attends St. Patrick’s church.
In addition to serving in the military and City Council, Mark had spent two years on the board of directors for the Pottsville Parking Authority and is currently a lieutenant in the Pottsville Fire Department with over 32 years of firefighting service. He previously served on the Advisory Board to the Sexual Assault Resource Counseling Center (SARCC), The Schuylkill County Local Emergency Planning Committee, Pennsylvania Counter-Terrorism Task Force, Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council (Rescue Task Force, EMS for Children and Paramedic Advisory Committees). He taught structural firefighting and rescue for the Bucks County Community College, Harrisburg Area Community College, Lehigh Carbon Community College and served as an Adjunct Instructor to the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy. As a veteran, Mark is a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Catholic War Veterans and American Legion. Many citizens throughout the county may recognize him as the division bagpiper for the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Pottsville.
Mark is married to his wife of 28 years, Kandi (Smith) and with three children and one grandchild. He resides in Pottsville and attends St. Patrick’s church.