Election Watch 2006
Credit Union Political Spotlight
John Kebles
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| U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-PA), left, and John Kebles, President and CEO of Choice One Community FCU. |
In this issue we are pleased to feature the political activities of John Kebles, the President and CEO of Choice One Community FCU, located in Wilkes-Barre, PA. John discovered the fun of political activism when he joined Choice One in 1982. He was only active with local politics at first, concerning himself with mayoral races, city council and county races. These activities have paid off – John has been on a first name basis with the mayors and members of city council for the last several administrations. He has also made a point of getting to know the county commissioners and county row officers over the years. He has put up yard signs, attended many fundraisers and donated his money, along with his time, to help his candidates get elected.
However, in 1998 John realized the importance of becoming involved at the national level with the introduction of HR 1151. It was during this time he got to know Congressman Paul Kanjorski (D- PA-11). Ever since the fight for HR 1151, John has been on the front lines of Rep. Kanjorski’s re- election campaigns. John has hosted fundraisers, done door-to-door campaigning and manned phone banks, in addition to donating personal funds, all to help get Kanjorski re-elected. As John likes to say, “You have to walk the walk and talk the talk.” All this campaigning for Rep. Kanjorski has paid off – they have developed a close personal, as well as professional, relationship (and the Congressman even pays when they go out to lunch)! Kanjorski refers to John as his advisor; he will call John to discuss all kinds of issues, not just credit union ones. He considers John a direct contact to the credit union movement and with good reason. John’s credit union, Choice One, has a corner in their office with photos of Kanjorski’s involvement with credit unions. They keep it updated, which is easy to do since the Congressman stops by the credit union at least twice a year and spends time interacting with the members in the lobby. He also recently attended the grand opening of a new branch. John was so pleased when Kanjorski, during his speech at one of the GAC’s, used their friendship as an example of how to become politically involved. He pointed out political activism is not just about favors, but about long-term, lasting relationships.
John has found the return on his political activism to be immeasurable. Not only has it brought personal satisfaction, but he has found his relationships to be a pipeline to the movers and shakers in his community. It has also been a great way to help spread the credit union message. Since John caught the political ‘bug’, he has gotten friends, family members and co-workers involved in campaigning.
John got his start with credit unions in 1977 as a part-time volunteer treasurer of a newly organized credit union. This opened the door, and his eyes, to the wonderful world of credit unions. He is very active in the credit union world, serving as: Board Chairman (2001-2003) of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association; currently serves as Chairman of their GAC/PAC committee. He has also served the association in many capacities, including chairing most major fundraising efforts. Since its inception in 1996, he has been a member of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Foundation. He served as Chairman from 2003-2005 and chaired their fundraising committee for 5 years.
Other committees and boards include Board Member (since 1995) of Consumer Credit Counseling of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and he is currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Wilkes-Barre Catholic Youth Center. He also served on the Wilkes-Barre City Planning Board, along with a Wilkes- Barre City special Blue Ribbon Investigating Panel.
John served his church in many capacities: PTA president, Parish Counsel and chaired their annual bazaar for many years. There are too many other committees and boards over the years to mention.
John’s family and 3 super grandkids are his number one priority, the credit union movement is his passion and his vices are golf and Rolling Rock beer!
Where will the "Political Spotlight" shine next? Please email us if you know an individual or group within the credit union movement who is engaged in the political process.
