Less than a week after retiring Senator Gib Armstrong announced his strong support for Lloyd Smucker, a group of important state and local leaders joined together on the steps of Lancaster County’s Courthouse to endorse Smucker today.

Among those endorsing Smucker at the event were former Lancaster City Mayor Charlie Smithgall, State Representative Scott Boyd, and State Representative Gordon Denlinger, Lancaster County Prothonotary Randall Wenger and, representing the West Lampeter Township Supervisor Board, Jim Kalenich and Barry Hershey.  They were joined by retiring Senator Gib Armstrong, who endorsed Smucker last weekend.

Not present at the event, but also endorsing were Lancaster County Treasurer Craig Ebersole and Smucker’s fellow West Lampeter Township Supervisors Randy Moyer and Bob Patterson.

While each of the people endorsing Smucker provided their own personal reasons, one theme came through time and again: Smucker’s experience, record and reputation for integrity.

“Lloyd Smucker has had a 25 year career in the business world and built a proven record as a local elected official who have never raised property taxes while still meeting the needs of the people he represents,” said Representative Scott Boyd.  “No other candidate in this race can bring that unique mix to the Senate.”

Representative Denlinger expanded on Boyd’s comments, “The real strength of Lloyd is his integrity.  At his core, Lloyd shares the values of faith and family that are so important to the people of the 13th District and he has shown this throughout his business career and as a local official.  Having a man with such a strong core in the Senate can only be beneficial to the people of Lancaster and York Counties.

Jim Kalenich, provided a statement from himself and his fellow West Lampeter Township Supervisors: “No one knows Lloyd as we do – the people who have seen firsthand how his experience and common sense can make a real difference for taxpayers.  We are proud to support him because we know he will bring the same commitment to helping people he has in our community to Harrisburg to help everyone in the 13th Senate District.”

The most interest though surrounded Smithgall’s endorsement, as many political pundits had expected him to support Thibault, a long-time ally.  In his comments, Smithgall explained that he was endorsing Smucker because of his common sense ideas that will benefit the city, boroughs and towns, and the whole of the 13th Senate District.

Smithgall stated, “Lloyd knows that a revitalized Lancaster City is a revitalized economic engine for our entire county.  An economic engine that can help provide good-paying jobs to residents and, most importantly, reduce the burden on taxpayers.  Lloyd also knows that when we make our cities, towns and boroughs more appealing places to live, we will help reduce the pressures for new development on our farmland – and that will help preserve the natural beauty of our region,”

Smucker also spoke at the event saying, “Thank you, all of you, for being here today to support me and my candidacy.  I am humbled by your support.  Each of you has garnered the respect and support of the people you serve, and I know that your endorsement sends a clear signal to taxpayers that they can trust me to work for their best interests as their Senator.”

Smucker added some personal comments as well, “When I started this campaign just a few short months ago, I was new to the political process.  But I came to the process with ideas that I thought would make a positive difference for real people...ideas about eliminating property taxes, cutting government spending, preserving farmland and more.  I also came to the process with the unique experience of being both a successful businessman and a local official who has never raised property taxes. Over the past few months, I have met thousands of residents and found out that they believe these issues and this experience are important too.  On Tuesday, I hope I have earned their vote.”

Senator Armstrong closed the event by re-stating his strong support for Smucker, saying, "Even though I am retiring, I still care deeply about the people of Lancaster and York Counties and ensuring a bright future for them.  I have looked long and hard at the candidates and believe Lloyd Smucker is the best choice.  I will be voting for him on Tuesday and urge everyone to do the same."