Monday, March 29, 2021

Rally Calls for Commissioner Halcovage to Resign

A rally was held on the steps of the Schuylkill Courthouse on Sunday calling for Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage to resign.

The rally was organized by Catherine Mahon, of Schuylkill Haven after Commissioner Halcovage didn't step down or resign after an investigation, and allegations were announced in a lawsuit that he sexually harassed 4 female employees inside the County Courthouse.

"No state rep or official has come out and made a statement saying that he needs to go. I didn't just want to sit back and post about it on Facebook. I wanted to do something more and we need to support these women". Mahon said.

While Mahon doesn't think he will resign because of the rally, she hopes that the State Legislature will impeach him.

The rally gathered about 12 protesters, which included Schuylkill County Democratic Chairman, Hugh Reilly, and also President of the Schuylkill County Democratic Women's League, Lisa Hollenbach.

"Someone has to speak for the women in this county, our representatives have said they didn't hear us, that they aren't getting any complaints. My question for them today is, Are you listening now? Because we will be out here rain or shine. It is time to remove George Halcovage from his position. He's a danger to the women that work inside this courthouse, he makes it a hostile place to work. In 2021, we cannot accept this." Hollenbach said.

Schuylkill County Clerk of Courts, Maria Casey, stopped by the rally to show her support for the protestors.

"I think it's admirable that they came out and let their voices be heard, this is an issue I've been talking about for years and my fellow Republicans have now joined and asked him to resign. These young people feel the same way and I think the young voters are important. This is not a party issue, this is a moral issue about what is right and what is wrong." Casey said.

Casey was one of five Republican Schuylkill County Row Officers that signed a letter that was hand-delivered to Halcovage on Thursday this past week asking for his resignation.

Commissioner Halcovage has not been charged with any crimes but an investigation in late June of 2020 by the Schuylkill County Solicitor's office and County Human Resources Department revealed had he had violated the Sexual Harassment Policy #2005-18 (Revised September 2013), the Conduct and Disciplinary Action Policy #2005-19; and the Physical and Verbal Abuse Policy #2007-02 (Revised March 2007) after allegations were reported.