Friday, March 10, 2023

Schuylkill County Register of Wills Seeks Fourth Term


Theresa Santai Gaffney has announced that she will be seeking a fourth term as the Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans Court for Schuylkill County.
“It has been an honor to serve the people and taxpayers of Schuylkill County and I will continue to be a good steward of the taxpayers’ money, run an efficient office, generate revenue and work together to better improve our community with the support and trust of our fellow citizens.”

“Since elected, my audits from the County and State have been flawless without a penny out of place and with zero deficiencies. Having implemented clear policies and procedures, ongoing checks and balances is the key for transparency of any office and the Citizens deserve that.” added Gaffney Since taking office eleven years ago, Gaffney stated that she, “has implemented many changes in her office, which includes converting to a new computer system, replacing computers, providing online and credit card services, also adding video conferencing (i.e. ZOOM) to further serve the County as well as the State and has remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic for the convenience of the Citizens. These enhancements were added without any costs to the taxpayers.” In 2022, over $12 million was collected for inheritance tax within her office and the commission on that was a surplus of $80,000 for the County.” In regards to public service, "The Register of Wills staff and I have remained committed in providing a professional and courteous atmosphere and we have done just that. The office processes estates, guardianships, adoptions and marriage licenses. When a family comes in to open an Estate, we try to ease the process and recognize what they are going through, ‘losing a loved one is difficult enough. Offering our condolences or congratulating a couple to be married makes a difference.”

Gaffney also sits as the County Record Improvement Fund Committee Chair and recently approved a 5-year lease contract with DELL that will provide the County with 199 computers to replaced those that are outdated. The funds used for this enhancement are generated from a filing fee and not the taxpayers’ money. "I commend my staff for their professionalism, knowledge and compassion that is shown to everyone, but most of all for their dedication in serving and working for the people." adds Gaffney.

Gaffney is a Veteran of the United States Army Reserves, Member of Pennsylvania’s Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphan Court Association, Catholic War Vets (post 1089), Schuylkill Haven American Legion (post 38), Pine Grove V.F.W., Member of St. Patrick’s Church, Advisory Board to Salvation Army- Pottsville, Servants To All Homeless Shelter, Point of Time Count for the Homeless, Kiwanis of Pottsville Past-President, Friedensburg Fish and Game, Schuylkill County Sportsmen Association, Schuylkill County United Way, and Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and most recently the Schuylkill County Women’s Veterans Group. 

“I would like to thank my husband Glenn of 37 years, my children, Melissa, Sarah, Jeremiah and Frank for their continued support and I am blessed with 10 grandchildren. I would like to thank the voters of Schuylkill County for their continued faith in me as steward of the taxpayer's money.”