Senate to Consider Halcovage Removal

HARRISBURG – Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) introduced legislation today to remove Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage from office.

In May 2021, a judge granted two sexual violence Protection from Abuse orders against Commissioner Halcovage.

An investigation conducted by the Schuylkill County Human Resources Department in June determined that Commissioner Halcovage violated county sexual harassment and discrimination policies. The investigation concluded that had Halcovage been a county employee, he would have been fired.

In October, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found that Commissioner Halcovage had subjected and continues to subject female employees to discrimination, retaliation, and harassment.

“Almost every single state and county elected official representing Schuylkill County has now called upon Commissioner Halcovage to resign,” said Argall.  “We must take bipartisan action to address this situation.  That’s why I have introduced this resolution.”

The resolution would establish a Senate Special Committee to pursue Article VI § 7 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, which states that civil officers elected by the people shall be removed by the Governor for reasonable cause, after due notice and full hearing, on the vote of two-thirds of the Senate.

Following a comprehensive investigation by the Senate Special Committee, if two-thirds of the Senate votes against the Commissioner, the Governor is required to remove him from office. 

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is considering a similar effort, at the request of Schuylkill County State Representatives Knowles, Twardzik, and Kerwin. The resolution calls on the House Judiciary Committee to begin an investigation into Commissioner Halcovage’s actions and to determine whether impeachment is necessary due to the alleged actions and violation of public trust by the Commissioner.

 

Contact: Joshua J. Paul   717.787.2637

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