Michael Ruddy for Tax Collector

I am pleased to announce that this past Monday, January 3rd, I was sworn into office as Dunmore's Tax Collector surrounded by many members of my Ruddy/Cummings extended family, who I thank for all their support in this journey. Furthermore, my uncle, a former Federal Judge and fellow Lycoming College alumn the honorable Tom Vanaskie swore me into office. I will be serving the great community of Dunmore for the next four years and wish you all a happy, healthy, and safe start to 2022.

I’d like to thank everyone who came out and voted yesterday. I’m thrilled to announce that I will be Dunmore’s next Tax Collector. I’d like to congratulate Mr. Nardozzi on a well fought race. He and I ran into each other a few times over the last few weeks and had some very cordial discussions about Dunmore, its past, and its future. To all those that encouraged me, placed a sign in their yard, and worked the polls I thank you. Without your support I would never have been able to get my message out to the voters.

On Friday I dropped off my ballot at the Lackawanna County Government Center. Just a reminder that the other drop box locations are no longer available. If you have a ballot that you'd like to drop off you need to go to 123 Wyoming Ave. Scranton, PA 18503.

The link below will take you to the County Election site which includes a sample ballot. Please share this post to ensure everyone is aware of the drop box situation and so they have the opportunity to look over the ballot before going to their polling location.

https://www.lackawannacounty.org/index.php/departmentsagencies/elections/voter-registration

In my original post I neglected to mention a few other very important people in my life. First of all, I’d like mention my beautiful and supportive girlfriend, Kate Nycz. She continues to be the biggest champion of my campaign and has helped me in every aspect. She also helps keep the stars of my billboard on Interstate 81, Lady and Nittany, happy while I spend countless evenings after work knocking on doors. My sister, Shauna Ruddy, is the strongest woman I know (both physically and spiritually) and insisted we get a cake from Henry’s On Clay to celebrate my primary win (it was delicious). And finally, her little buddy, Ralph. A former bait dog that she rescued many years ago who now spends his days snuggling on the couch.

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When I began my campaign for Tax Collector, I decided to knock on as many doors as possible and get to know my fellow Dunmoreans. Besides discussing the duties of the tax collector, I have learned that so many of you are familiar with my extended family. I am honored to hear how so many people have a kind word to say about my loved ones. Many of the voters I have met ask me where in the Ruddy family tree I fall. So here goes!

My father grew up with his 13 siblings on Clay Ave with my paternal grandparents Jimmy and Rose O’Hara Ruddy. If you are unfamiliar with my father, chances are you know one of my aunts or uncles: Jimmy, the eldest, Timmy, and Bobby Ruddy, Cathy Evans, Mary Lynn Ruddy, Ellen Smolkskis, Beth Navoczynski, and Roseanne Ruddy. We all hold Uncle Mark, Billy, Patrick (PJ), and Michael (Mickey) in our hearts as they have since passed away.

My mother, Michele, grew up on West Grove Street with my maternal grandparents Michael Cummings and Beatrice Bortree Cummings. My uncle Michael Cummings is also a lifelong Dunmorean.

I won’t list all my extended family; there are just so many. However, here are some family photos I have found from gatherings over the years.

Thank you to everyone that came out to the Patch last night for my event. Including Dunmore's next mayor, Max Conway.

Max For Mayor

Thanks for Mayor Tim Burke for all his help during my write-in primary campaign and now during the general election. I look forward to hanging out with him at my event on Wednesday from 7-9 at The Patch.

Thank you to Francis X Kranick Jr for putting one of my signs in his yard. I hope he has a very happy birthday!

Thanks to Beth McDonald Zangardi for putting up one of my signs.

Thank you to Janet Brier For Dunmore Council for putting my sign in her yard and for her continued support.