Laura Kay Hawk has an opinion on why eight candidates are vying for the position she'll be retiring from this year: "Because I'm not doing it anymore," she said, laughing.

Three Democrats and five Republicans are on the May 19 primary ballots, seeking the nod of their party's voters to run for the job of East Franklin tax collector.

Hawk's retirement from the position this December after nearly 20 years could be a reason why so many candidates are seeking the office, while the struggling economy also may play a role.

Democratic candidate Terry Steffey said he is running to supplement his income and thinks some of his competitors may be doing the same.

"Things are tough out there," he said. "If I win it would be a full-time job."

After working in retail for 37 years and being active in the community, Steffey said he made the decision to enter the race. He hopes the work put into the campaign will pay off.

"It's an expensive endeavor to try to enter politics," he said.

Hawk said the candidate elected will go through training and testing. Steffey is joined by Patty Kreider and Peggy Reitler on the Democratic ballot. Republicans seeking the position are Randy Cloak, Joseph Kacmar, Angela Goldinger, Todd Ashbaugh and Donna Scholl.

The East Franklin position can be fulltime because of the township's size -- it has the largest amount of real estate in the county, Hawk said, but said she usually works about 10 hours a week. The township tax collector is paid by commission, a percentage of what is collected, she said.

"You set your own hours," she said.

While some candidates may see tax collector as a job not endangered by the recession, Republican candidate Randy Cloak said he hopes to eliminate the position, if elected.

"I think that local tax collectors are no longer necessary," he said. "If I win, I will work very hard to lobby for doing away with the job I'm running for."

The salary could be a drawing point to candidates, he said.

"(All the candidates) want it to be their job," he said. "If there's something in it for someone they'll run."

Republican candidate Angela Goldinger agreed with Hawk's response when asked why she thinks eight people decided to run for the office.

"Probably because our current tax collector's been in for 19 years," she said.

"I never wanted to run against her," Goldinger said.

One candidate in each of the parties who wins the May primary will appear on the ballot in November's general election.

Kittanning

The borough's ballots have five candidates -- two Republicans and three Democrats -- for tax collector.

Erin Lasher, who was appointed borough tax collector in February, said she thinks a large number of candidates are seeking the job because the long-time incumbent ended service this year. Lasher was appointed to finish the term vacated by Marie Vause after her resignation.

Ken and Marie Vause served as tax collectors for more than 35 years. Ken Vause was elected to the position and Marie Vause took over after his death.

"A lot of people want to go for it," Lasher said. "It's really hard to compete against an incumbent."

Lasher said the borough's tax collector position is part-time -- she works nine hours total in a week. Upon her appointment, Lasher said she received training.

Lasher's name will appear on the Republican ballot along with Carol Boarts. Democratic candidates in the primary are Donna Yount, Carol Toy and Mike Swartz.

Some candidates may need a job or are looking for extra cash, said Swartz of his opinion on why five people are running for the position. After losing his job after almost 43 years, Swartz said he decided to run in an effort to secure an extra income.

Boarts said she felt this year was a good time to run for the position, especially since the incumbent has resigned. It seemed like a good opportunity to serve the community and get some new blood into the office, Boarts said.

"I just think it's a good time to go for it," she said.

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