Sunbury’s 1st Democratic mayor since 1965 sets goals

(Harrisburg) — A Democrat has taken over the mayor’s office in one midstate city for the first time in 50 years.

Kurt Karlovich, 31, took the oath of office earlier this month after winning his election with no previous political experience. 

He says he feels the pressure.

“Right now there’s a lot of eyes on me and I’m in the process of trying to prove to the city and the people that I know what I’m doing,” Karlovich said. 

Karlovich says his four years serving in the Army have prepared him to adapt to new situations and solve problems.

He says he’s trying to tackle issues people in the Northumberland County community brought to his attention during his campaign, such as removing blighted properties and putting more police officers on the streets.

The first Democratic mayor in Sunbury since 1965 says he’s already working with the police chief to try and get more officers patrolling.

“My personal goals are to make the government a little more transparent so that the people of Sunbury know that, hey we’re not just sitting inside, we’re not doing anything, this is actually what we’re doing, this is what we’re planning,” he said. 

Karlovich says he’s implemented an open-door policy.

People can go to his office or reach him directly by phone or social media, to discuss their concerns and opinions.