Welcome to Israel Cruz for Shamokin Mayor (Independent Write in Candidate)

I’m Israel Cruz, your Seventh Ward Judge of Election and a five-year Shamokin resident. I’m running as an independent to bring jobs, lower taxes, and safer streets to our city. My comprehensive plan will make Shamokin self-sufficient, debt-free, and thriving by 2035—learn more below and join me at the Anthracite Heritage Festival on May 23–24, 2025.

My Vision for Shamokin: A Self-Sufficient Future

My plan creates 1,111 jobs by 2035, makes Shamokin self-sufficient by 2029, debt-free by 2031, and eliminates property taxes by 2033, ensuring future leaders can maintain our progress with ease.

- Sand Battery Power (2028): A sand battery under an old quarry will provide electricity and steam for businesses, saving the city $100,000 annually and generating $50,000 in revenue, ensuring year-round reliability.

- Greenhouse Hub (2028): A 24/7, 365-day greenhouse will grow food, educate our kids, and attract 10,000 tourists yearly, generating $80,000. It’ll create 20 jobs and supply fresh produce to Shamokin Area schools, preparing students for new opportunities.

- Knoebels Theme Park (2032): A year-round theme park, managed by Knoebels, will draw 300,000 visitors annually, creating 300 jobs and $510,000 in revenue. It’ll boost local businesses like Dunkin’ Donuts and Weis Markets, making Shamokin a tourism hub.

- Tech Jobs and Internet (2029): Old mines will become server farms, bringing high-speed internet, 50 tech jobs ($60,000/year each), and $1.1 million in annual revenue, attracting startups and families.

- Home Restoration (2026–2032): Students from Shamokin Area and Columbia-Montour will restore 50 homes at no cost to low-income residents, adding $20,000 in tax revenue and revitalizing Shamokin, Mount Carmel, and Coal Township.

- Economic Impact: By 2035, 1,111 jobs (841 permanent) will lift our economy, with roles in tech, tourism, and education. We’ll be self-sufficient by 2029, covering our $2.5 million budget without grants, debt-free by 2031, and property taxes will be gone by 2033—saving you $1.25 million annually while funding safer streets.

Timeline for a Thriving Shamokin

- 2026–2028: Launch sand battery and greenhouse, creating 181 jobs and $230,000/year. Start home restoration, revitalizing 10 homes.

- 2029: Server farms add 100 jobs and $1.1 million/year, making Shamokin self-sufficient. Restore 20 more homes.

- 2032: Theme park opens, adding 475 jobs and $510,000/year. Restore 50 homes total, boosting property values. Pay off $1.5 million debt by 2031, reduce taxes by 88%.

- 2035: 1,111 jobs total, $2.33 million/year in revenue. Eliminate property taxes, fund expanded police to fight crime, and welcome 1,260 new residents to a thriving Shamokin.

About Me

I’ve lived in Shamokin for five years, serving as your Seventh Ward Judge of Election—a role that shows my commitment to our community’s voice. I ran for a House seat in New York but faced challenges due to COVID; now, I’m here to serve Shamokin. I lean Republican but run as an independent to focus on you, not party agendas. As a former assistant teacher, I value real education, and I believe in practical stewardship of our land. My brother’s struggles with theft and drugs make crime reduction personal—I’ll fight for safer streets.

Get Involved

- Share your thoughts: Email me at Israel_Cruz_76@yahoo.com

-Join me at the Anthracite Heritage Festival, May 23–24, 2025.

- Follow me on X: @Israel4PA.

-Call me leave me a message at at my political number. (570) 415-0275