Lycoming County commissioners and public praise collegial approach to county governance

During public comment at the Jan. 2 Lycoming County commissioners meeting, resident Larry Stough asked how commissioners from different parties maintain a collegial relationship. Commissioners replied at length, describing their approach as professional, team-oriented and focused on practical county operations rather than national partisan issues.

The exchange matters because it provides public insight into how the county’s three commissioners say they manage decision-making and avoid partisan conflict while addressing local administrative issues that affect residents.

Larry Stough told the board he had "never really seen a fight" among the three and asked what their "secret" was. Commissioner Scott said the commissioners "just come in whenever the issue is... and we talk and we listen and our goal is to just kind of find the best solution going forward." Commissioner Mark described the approach as professionalism, saying it keeps communication open and prevents public disputes. Another commissioner emphasized focusing on issues the board can control — local services, budgeting and operations — rather than national topics they cannot change.

Commissioners repeatedly credited county staff, noting improved relationships in HR and budget/finance work over the past year and urging cooperative, team-based work going forward. The public commenter Tom Adams later offered thanks and a brief statement of support for the commissioners’ tone.

The remarks were delivered during the meeting’s public-comment period and do not represent formal board policy; they do, however, provide context for how the commissioners describe their governing style.