PA Green Party Elects 2026 Leaders
Green Party of Pennsylvania
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEAS
Saturday, January 17, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT
Chris Robinson, Communication Team Co-Leader
267-977-0570 and [email protected]
PA Green Party Elects 2026 Leaders
On January 11, the Green Party of Pennsylvania State Committee met virtually to elect its leaders for 2026. More than 40 elected delegates and friends of the Green Party from 14 counties participated. They elected five officers to the GPPA Steering Committee, while one co-chair and the secretary are in mid-term. GREEN STAR, the GPPA monthly newsletter, asked the 2026 Steering Committee members to introduce themselves.
Colleen Schmotzer (Allegheny) was elected to a two-year term as co-chair of GPPA. She had been a member at large of the Steering Committee during 2025. Colleen told GREEN STAR, “As the new co-chair of GPPA, my initial focus will be to revitalize our four action teams. I plan to achieve this by actively recruiting team leads and team members from within the Green Party. This will involve outreach not only to seasoned members exploring how we can rekindle their involvement, but also to new members to understand their interests and motivations. Our Communication Team manages the public image of the Green Party. The GPPA Core Team assures the smooth functioning of the party. The Finance Team will increase the value of GPPA and plan the use of its resources. The GPPA Greenwave Team will recruit and support candidates for election and expand the reach of the Green Party.”
GPPA Treasurer Jeff “J.J.” Kondrich (Westmoreland) was re-elected to a second term. J.J. told GREEN STAR, “In 2026, I plan to make sure we meet our reporting requirements and have a robust, secure, and intuitive method of record keeping. If we can organize our data and finances securely, I think the Green Party has a workable future. To help us build the Green Party, I plan to work with our Finance Team to aim fundraising efforts at sources outside of the party, lessening the implicit financial burden of party members. Hopefully a new merchandising plan will also help with this.”
Tony Dastra (Lancaster) was elected to be a Steering Committee member at large. He ran for Mayor of Lancaster City last year. Tony told GREEN STAR, “As a new leader, I plan to bring a different energy into our conversations, not just talking about the issues to be worked through within the system. After last year’s budget standoff in the PA General Assembly, I think it is time to consider a PA Constitutional Convention or amendments. In my opinion, PA needs to consider a unicameral legislature to stop this back and forth between the major parties that have gerrymandered the state capitol into gridlock. Also, the uniformity clause preventing taxes that make sense for the working class and damaging municipalities needs to go. To build the Green Party, I plan to bring new members and involvement. It is time to be more looked-to for constitutional guidance and pragmatic governance. Having pragmatic candidates and approaches, does not mean changing our strong positions as a party. It means people who do not feel like they agree with the Green Party can still approach Green Party candidates for dialogue, despite knowing that disagreement is to be expected, especially at the onset of new conversations.”
Wendy Keslick (Chester) was also elected to be a Steering Committee member at large. Last year she was a Green Party of Chester County delegate to the GPPA State Committee. Wendy told GREEN STAR, “I am excited for the opportunity to serve the GPPA in a state-wide capacity. In 2026, we will continue to see the collective failure of the two corporate-run parties, and the Green Party will have the opportunity to become the alternative that Pennsylvanians are seeking. I look forward to working collaboratively with other Steering Committee members to ensure that the Green Party is structurally ready to grow in numbers and to lead us to a thriving and better future for our beautiful state.”
Elizabeth “Beth” Schongar (Allegheny) was elected to be a member at large of the GPPA Steering Committee. She held the same office during 2022. Beth told GREEN STAR, “On the Green Party Steering Committee I will be looking at every effort according to three criteria. First, does it reflect the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom and social justice/equal opportunity? Second, can we do it: do we have the time, people, expertise and resources? Third, will it make the public more aware of the Green Party and what it stands for?”
Two members of last year’s GPPA Steering Committee did not stand for election because their terms end in 2027. Bryarr Misner (Allegheny) will remain GPPA secretary, and Tim Runkle (Lancaster) will continue as co-chair.
Incumbent Co-chair Tim Runkle told GREEN STAR, “As I begin the second year of my co-chair term, I want to first thank Theron Gilliland, Jr. (Allegheny), Erin King (Centre) and Barbara Laxon (McKean), the outgoing Steering Committee members for their commitment and hard work. They have contributed to strengthening the Green Party of Pennsylvania. Their efforts have helped sustain the party through challenging times and laid important groundwork for what comes next. I also look forward to working with the incoming Steering Committee members and to seeing them share their knowledge, skills, and experience in ways that will strengthen our collective leadership.”
“During 2026,” Tim continued, “my focus as co-chair will be on practicing servant leadership and helping the Steering Committee continue the construction of a comprehensive, member-driven plan for the future of GPPA. I believe our success depends on meaningful engagement with our members encouraged by listening, inviting participation, and creating opportunities for Greens to lead, organize, and contribute. Rather than imposing a top-down agenda, my hope is that the new Steering Committee will advance a plan shaped by the ideas and energy of our members. When we empower more people to get involved and to take ownership of the direction, we will continue to grow the Green Party as a strong, democratic, and principled alternative in Pennsylvania politics.
The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA), https://www.gpofpa.org, is an independent political party which stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPPA candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPPA, please email [email protected]. Please follow GPPA on social media: Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gpofpa/; Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/pagreenparty/; and X, https://x.com/GreenPartyofPA
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Green Party of PA Endorses Rural-Urban Transit for All
Green Party of Pennsylvania
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, December 5, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT
Chris Robinson, Communication Team Co-Leader
267-977-0570 and [email protected]
Green Party of PA Endorses Rural-Urban Transit for All
On November 21, the Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) Steering Committee decided by consensus to endorse Rural-Urban Transit for All.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the disparity between rural and urban areas remains a significant challenge. One of the most critical aspects of this divide is transportation. While urban centers often boast extensive public transit systems, rural communities are frequently underserved, leading to isolation, limited opportunities, and hindered economic development. "Rural-Urban Transit for All" is not just a slogan; it's a necessity for creating equitable and sustainable communities.
The consequences of inadequate rural transit are far-reaching. Access to employment, healthcare, education, and essential services becomes a daily struggle for many rural residents. Imagine a single parent in a rural area trying to reach a better-paying job in the city, only to be stymied by the lack of a dependable bus route. Or consider an elderly individual needing regular medical check-ups, forced to rely on infrequent and expensive private transportation. These scenarios highlight the urgent need for improved rural-urban transit. Moreover, the lack of transportation options contributes to social isolation, mental health issues, and a reduced quality of life. Economically, it restricts the flow of goods, services, and labor, hindering the growth of rural businesses and perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage. Environmentally, the reliance on private vehicles in the absence of public transit leads to increased carbon emissions and contributes to climate change.
Addressing the rural-urban transit gap requires a multi-faceted approach that considers the unique characteristics of rural communities. Unlike densely populated urban areas, rural regions are characterized by dispersed populations, longer distances, and varying topographies. A one-size-fits-all solution is simply not viable. Instead, a combination of innovative strategies and tailored solutions is needed. This includes investing in flexible transit options such as on-demand shuttles, ride-sharing programs, and community carpools. These services can be particularly effective in areas with low population density, providing a cost-efficient and convenient way to connect residents to urban centers. Additionally, leveraging technology is crucial. Mobile apps and real-time tracking systems can improve the efficiency and accessibility of rural transit, allowing users to plan their journeys and access up-to-date information. Furthermore, collaboration between government agencies, private companies, and community organizations is essential to ensure that transit initiatives are well-coordinated and responsive to local needs.
To create a truly equitable and sustainable transit system, funding mechanisms must be re-evaluated. Rural transit often struggles to compete for funding with larger urban projects, leading to chronic underinvestment. Governments need to prioritize rural transit in their infrastructure plans and allocate resources accordingly. This could involve establishing dedicated funding streams, offering tax incentives for private companies to invest in rural transit, and exploring innovative financing models such as public-private partnerships. Furthermore, community engagement is paramount. Rural residents must be involved in the planning and decision-making processes to ensure that transit solutions are tailored to their specific needs and preferences. This can be achieved through public forums, surveys, and community workshops. By empowering local communities to shape their transit systems, we can create solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable in the long term.
In conclusion, "Rural-Urban Transit for All" is an essential goal for building inclusive and thriving communities. Bridging the transit gap requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the unique challenges of rural areas, leverages technology, fosters collaboration, and prioritizes community engagement. By investing in flexible transit options, re-evaluating funding mechanisms, and empowering local communities, we can create a transportation system that connects all residents to opportunities, services, and each other, regardless of their location.
The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA), https://www.gpofpa.org, is an independent political party which stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPPA candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPPA, please email [email protected]. Please follow GPPA on social media: Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gpofpa/; Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/pagreenparty/; and X, https://x.com/GreenPartyofPA
For more information:
“We Must Build Rural/Urban Unity to Win Transit for All,” Transit for All PA, November 6, 2025, https://www.transitforallpa.org/we-must-build-rural-urban-unity-to-win-transit-for-all/
“Ecological Sustainability, Mass Transit,” Green Party of the U.S. Platform, https://www.gp.org/ecological_sustainability#mass_transit
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