The Altoona man recently elected to lead the Blair County Republican Committee began his voting life registered as a Democrat.
A.C. Stickel grew up in Fayette County and, when he turned 18, registered Democrat because ''that's what you did in Fayette County.'' A majority of the county's registered voters still are Democrats.
Two months later, Stickel voted for Ronald Reagan, the Republican who took office as the 40th president in 1981.
''I was just inspired by Ronald Reagan the first time I saw him on TV, probably at age 14,'' Stickel said. ''I followed him and watched him and read about him.''
While lower taxes didn't mean much to the young Stickel, he recognized Reagan's love of country.
''He loved this country above all else and felt this was the greatest nation to ever exist on the face of the earth and made Americans believe that, '' Stickel said.
Four years later, Stickel registered Republican.
As chairman of the Blair County Republican Committee, Stickel hopes to continue Reagan's tradition.
Members elected him during the June reorganizational meeting, as John Urban stepped down after six years to meet family obligations.
A self-proclaimed ''average guy who decided one day that it was time to help make a difference,'' Stickel wants people of all parties to be inspired by and follow the Constitution, and he hopes Republicans will become involved in the community and ''remember why we're Republicans.''
While Stickel practiced patriotism as a child - he remembers around fourth grade going to Richard Nixon's campaign headquarters to get a button - he didn't dive into political involvement until President George H.W. Bush lost his bid for re-election in 1992.
Stickel lived in Virginia at the time and campaigned for U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf, inspiring family and faith values.
He ''dragged'' his then-young children to meetings, and they helped erect campaign signs.
His daughter, Heidi, will marry next year, and his son, Quint, will enter Penn State University's Army ROTC program this fall.
''He's been very excited,'' Stickel said of his son.
The two differed on early Republican presidential candidates this year, but they support expected nominee John McCain.
''I was a Fred Thompson guy; he was a Mike Huckabee guy. And now we're both McCain guys.''
The Stickels moved to Altoona about 10 years ago. Stickel, an accountant, opened his tax preparation business, The Tax Shelter, in 1999.
While family still lived in the area, two Altoona landmarks sealed the deal: chicken Parmesan from Sal's Original Italian Pizza in Juniata, and the view of the city from atop Wopsononock Avenue.
''Those were the two big deal makers,'' he said, laughing. ''Obviously, everything else had to be in place, too.''
Five years ago, Stickel was elected as the city controller, maintaining Altoona's accounts.
''I approach that as kind of the city's watchdog,'' he said. ''I don't really make the budget. I'm sort of like an internal editor to make sure the proper procedures are being followed.''
He takes that a step further, examining policies to make sure the city operates efficiently.
He's not sure if the trend has caught on, but he walks around City Hall turning off lights in rooms not in use.
''We're talking pennies, but why should we pay more than we have to?'' he asked. ''If you're not in the break room, turn off the lights.''
Stickel hopes as Republican chairman, he can share his belief that America's best days are ahead and all politics is local and not just about the presidency.
''While we do have a presidential race this year, we have some important state races, and next year, we have some important local races,'' he said. ''People don't as often turn out for races that affect your everyday life - the people who teach your children, the people who fix your potholes, the people who lock up your criminals. Many people don't even know who their elected officials are.''
Stickel hopes to help educate the public about local officials and what they do.
He was one of the first people to learn Urban would not seek re-election to the committee chairmanship, and Urban supported his interest in the position.
''I think he'll do a very good job to continue the foundation we've laid,'' Urban said.
Urban appointed Stickel finance chairman about four years ago, during his chairmanship.
''The finance committee also has a role in everything we do that's more or less a fundraiser, or we still have to be concerned about budgetary issues,'' Urban said. ''He's really been involved in every activity we've done in the last four years.''
Urban said Stickel volunteers at the committee booth during the Keystone Country Festival and participates in voter registration drives.
''I think he's very accommodating and amenable,'' Urban said. ''He's very easy to get along with. He may have a different opinion, but he can discuss it and handle it with the appropriate diplomacy.''
Along with the lessons he takes from Reagan, Stickel also takes inspiration from his father. The two traveled to Washington, D.C., when Reagan died in 2004, waiting in line 10 hours to see him lie in state.
''Although he has never been involved in politics or government, [he] has always inspired me to do the best that I can and do whatever I wanted to do,'' Stickel said of his father. ''And inspired me with the character to always do the right thing.''
Mirror Staff Writer Jessica VanderKolk is at 946-7465.
