Since last year when the sexual harassment allegations made against Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage went public, both Republican and Democratic officials have been coming forward urging him to resign.
On Monday, Pennsylvania State Senator David Argall joined in asking for Halcovage as well.
“I have heard from many members of the Schuylkill County community about the serious allegations leveled against Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage. Residents, business leaders, and other county officials from both sides of the aisle alike were horrified to read the details of the lawsuit filed against him by four Schuylkill County women. An investigation by the Schuylkill County solicitor and human resource office determined that if Commissioner Halcovage was an employee, they would have recommended that he be terminated. After careful consideration of the facts of the case and a review with Senate legal staff, I strongly urge George Halcovage to resign his post as County Commissioner.
" Argall said in a statement.
“It's a sad day for Schuylkill County, but due to the nature of the allegations, I believe it would be in the best interest of everyone involved and in the best interest of Schuylkill County for Commissioner Halcovage to step away from his post. Dragging this out would be a disservice to the residents of Schuylkill County who elected him to help lead their county government.” Argall added.
“It's a sad day for Schuylkill County, but due to the nature of the allegations, I believe it would be in the best interest of everyone involved and in the best interest of Schuylkill County for Commissioner Halcovage to step away from his post. Dragging this out would be a disservice to the residents of Schuylkill County who elected him to help lead their county government.” Argall added.
Argall also said Rep. Jerry Knowles, Rep. Joe Kerwin, and Rep. Tim Twardzik have reviewed the impeachment process with attorneys from the House of Representatives.
"While impeachment would be a very serious and difficult matter, we all understand this path may be the next appropriate course of action."
Argall joins Schuylkill County Commissioner Baron Hetherington and Schuylkill County row officers, Treasurer Linda Marchalk, Clerk of Courts Maria T. Casey, Recorder of Deeds Ann Dudish, Prothonotary Bridget McGowan Miller, and Acting Controller Sharyn Yackenchick in calling for his resignation.
The Republican and Democratic Committees of Schuylkill County have called for his resignation and regulars protests have continued on the steps of the courthouse asking for his resignation or impeachment.
Halcovage has not been charged with any crimes, in the announcement of the allegations by the County's Human Resources Department, Halcovage 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).