Amid the aroma of coffee and pancakes Friday morning, Centre County commissioner H. Scott Conklin spoke about the need for professionalism in politics.

Conklin, who is running for a seat in the 77th District of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, was the keynote speaker for the Centre County Democrats' First Annual Public Issues Breakfast, which took place from 8 to 10 a.m. at the State College Ramada Inn, 1540 S. Atherton St.

Borough Council member Donald Hahn introduced the commissioner, adding he endorsed Conklin in his campaign based on his past performance.

"He has shown a great ability to work with the public, to listen," Hahn said.

In his speech, Conklin said his experience with politics has strengthened his resolve to call for morality and fairness.

"I see people using the name of 'politics' to be unethical," he said. "For too long we've allowed a 30-second sound bite to destroy a person's credibility."

Addressing the needs of Penn State students is an important campaign goal as well, Conklin said.

"Pennsylvania gets an 'A' for education and an 'F' for funding," Conklin said. "You have a great institution, and the state needs to fund it."

Penn State College Democrats media relations chairman Eliot Schmidt said Conklin's attention to students drew his organization's endorsement.

"We think he will do a great job representing student concerns," Schmidt said.

Conklin's opponent, Barbara Spencer, said she hopes to tackle a variety of issues if elected.

In addition to strengthening the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, Spencer said she hopes to improve Centre County's economy.

"I'm really focused on bringing to this area good, family-sustaining jobs, which will keep students here," Spencer said. "In Harrisburg, I'm going to work very hard."

Centre County Republican Party Chairman G.T. Thompson said Spencer is a force to be reckoned with.

"Barbara is an incredible candidate," Thompson said. "She is a patriot with a couple of decades of service with the U.S. Naval Service. She is also an educator who has taught primary school for double decades."

The Pennsylvania House race will be close, especially if voters are properly informed, Thompson said.

"I think, if people have the opportunity to meet the two candidates and learn the substance behind who they are, most people will come off being very impressed with Barbara Spencer," he said.

Conklin said he is well prepared for his competition, even if they rely on negative campaign advertising.

"They are going to go ultra-negative against me," he said. "This time, when they twist the truth, I'll probably answer."

Even in the most heated race, there is a need for bipartisan cooperation among local officials, Hahn said.

"There is no Democratic or Republican way to pave a street," he said.