HARMONY TWP. - Come November, two familiar names in Harmony Township will be conspicuously absent from the ballot. Incumbents Mike Kuga and Paul Kokoski did not receive nominations for a chance in the fall's general election.

Their absence means four newcomers, two Democrats and a Republican, will vie for three seats on the township's five-member commission. The introduction of three newcomers will dramatically change the makeup of the board. For the most part, Kuga, the board's chairman, Kokoski and commissioner John Ciccone made up the board's majority faction. For several years, commissioners Sandra Fidura-Phillips and James Bunger, who is not seeking re-election, were in the minority.

John Cermak, Joseph Violi and August Antonini won the Democratic nominations. Robert Sivy won a Republican spot on November's ballot. Kuga said, he doubts he'll try to wage a write-in campaign for the general election. Instead, he said he might wait two years before running again. Despite his loss, he will remain the chairman until December. Until he gives up his seat, Kuga said he has a few things he would like to accomplish. "I would like to see a lot of properties developed before I get out of here," Kuga said. Kokoski could not be reached for comment.

Fidura-Phillips, who often goes nose-to-nose with Kuga during commission meetings, said she's looking forward to working with whoever wins the available seats next fall. "I think we will make a wonderful team," she said. "I hope there won't be any factions and I hope we work together."

*Commissioner Mike Kuga and Paul Kokoski have been long standing opponents of the preservation of Legion Ville.