Stickel

A.C. Stickel of Altoona, who currently serves as Blair County’s controller, is seeking the Republican nomination for the state’s 79th legislative district, representing Altoona and Allegheny and Logan townships.

The legislative seat, currently held by Lou Schmitt, is expected to become vacant when Schmitt resigns to be sworn in as a county judge.

In the May primary, Schmitt won both the Republican and Democratic nominations for judge, so it’s expected that Schmitt will be elected in November and take the bench in January.

Stickel, who organized the AC4PA.org committee to run for the 79th district seat, said he will be ready to hit the ground running, whether the post is filled by appointment or by special election.

“I think it’s important to know where our tax dollars are going,” Stickel said. “Government does cost money, but we want to manage it in the most efficient way possible.”

Stickel, president and co-founder of The Tax Shelter, an Altoona accounting business that opened in 1999, said his mix of business and government experience will be beneficial in representing the residents of the 79th district.

“I understand what it means to make payroll, satisfy customers and navigate government regulations,” he said.

Stickel was Altoona’s controller from 2004-16 when he became Blair County’s controller. As county controller, Stickel pushed for the implementation of new accounting software that he says continues to save the county money. He also supported efforts and policies to shift the county’s pension fund away from bankruptcy.

Stickel has served as president of three statewide organizations — the Pennsylvania Controllers Association, the Pennsylvania State Association of Elected County Officials and a state association of city controllers — which he said provided him with opportunities to work with Democrats and Republicans on common sense legislative efforts.

“I already know my way around the state Capitol more than freshmen would,” the controller said.

Stickel also pledged to rely on his conservative principles and strong devotion to faith and family when representing the 79th district and when working in Harrisburg.

“I will not compromise my principles but I will look for ways that we work together,” Stickel said.