M. Fritz Lecker announces bid to seek re-election to Elk County Commission
Fritz has served as Commissioner since January 2020. During that time Lecker has gained knowledge and experience in county government that will provide a stable foundation for another term in office.
Lecker has been active in her role as Commissioner - serving a major role in facilitating nearly $10Million in COVID funding. Lecker is most proud of the creative ways that she and the current Board of Commissioners were able to funnel a majority of the funds into the betterment of Elk County. Projects included new Elk County initiatives funding our businesses and nonprofit organizations. While the COVID-19 pandemic was an extremely difficult 2-plus years for our nation, the County of Elk was able to work together and weather the storm as a unified group.
During her current term as Commissioner, Lecker has served as Commissioner Representative for: Children and Youth Services, Office of Human ServicesArea Agency on Aging and the Family Resource Network Board.
Lecker began her career in the regional timber industry and served as Secretary and President of the Pennsylvania Forest Industry Association. During that time she was instrumental in developing and presenting environmental education in local schools. Along with her husband, Clark Lecker, Fritz partnered in several small businesses. She was selected as one of Pennsylvania's “Best 50 Women in Business” by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Lecker served as District Manager for State Representative Matt Gabler from 2008 until 2019 when she ran a successful campaign to earn the position of Elk County Commissioner.
Versatile in both business and local government environments, Lecker has proven herself very capable of dealing with changing economic conditions, competing priorities and working steadily for the greater good. Working at the state government level for 12 years, Lecker excelled at meeting demanding challenges and displaying sound judgment. She brought her organizational and communication skills to County government and quickly learned essential information about each municipality within the county – including becoming familiar with their individual challenges and priorities.
Lecker's record of community involvement is well-deserved. As she says, “I have always loved being involved in bettering my little corner of the world.” Her record of community involvement includes time as Auditor for Ridgway Township, and service to non-profits and civic organizations such as the Kane Area Logging Safety Committee, Elk County Fair, St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce, founding member of Women Who Care, past treasurer of the Elk County Community Foundation, Lumber Heritage Region, The Community Education Center, Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys, Penn State University Extension Elk County Council, Girl Scouts of America, Little League Softball coach, Elk County Riders, annual volunteer at the Ridgway Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous; CSB Bank Advisory Board, and as co-Chair of the Elk County Republican Party. Lecker is a graduate of the Anne B. Anstine Excellence in Public Service.
Current service includes Board Member of Northern Tier Community Action, Northwest Savings Bank, Elk/McKean Advisory Board; The Flying Dove Ranch, Grants Committee of the Elk County Community Foundation, and four (4) years as Cub Scout Leader for Pack 95.
Lecker asserts that her association with each of these organizations has provided the opportunity to view local concerns from a variety of viewpoints. “The knowledge I've gained from so many great individuals within these organizations has benefited me greatly. I've benefited from serving as Commissioner for the past three-plus years, and believe my skills as a problem solver, a strong work ethic and my ability to thrive in a team setting will serve Elk County well in meeting the continuing challenge of maintaining and furthering the county's track record of fiscally sound conservative management and sustainability.”
Born and raised in Ridgway, she is the daughter of Robert and Norma Jean Buehler. Lecker and her husband, Clark Lecker, live in St. Marys and have five children and 12 grandchildren. They are members of Sacred Heart Parish.
M.Fritz Lecker is excited to seek re-election as Elk County Commissioner and asks for your support in the May 16th primary election.