County Prothonotary: Phyllis Ranko-Matheny and Judith L. Fisher

Running for Washington County Prothonotary are four candidates, two of whom are featured in this article: Incumbent Phyllis Ranko-Matheny and Judith L. Fisher, a current Democrat jury commissioner.

Matthew David Staniszewski and Lisa Stout-Bashioum are also in the race, and will be featured in a continuation of interviews. 

Phyllis Ranko-Matheny

Editor's Note: Background information was not provided.

What will your priorities be if elected?

My priorities will be to continue management of the prothonotary’s office in a manner that is profitable for the county. I wish to continue the technology-related projects I have started, including digital imaging of filed documents. Additionally, I wish to continue efforts to preserve our work product to meet the demands of business-continuity planning. These and future enhancements will be done without the use of tax dollars and in concert with the Records Improvement Committee.

If elected, do you see specific changes or efforts that need to be made?

At this time, there are no specific changes needed in the prothonotary’s office. In the near future, all prothonotary offices throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will become the next phase of the Unified Judicial System. The state will require the entire civil division to operate as part of that system. To make any changes in the office now would not be in the best interest of the taxpayers of Washington County. Once the state takes over, the office will then need to come into compliance with that system.

Why should residents vote for you?

I have worked in the prothonotary’s office and learned the duties of the office prior to becoming the elected official. I am able to handle every aspect of the office, which I now do on a daily basis by working alongside the employees. I am the only qualified candidate for prothonotary with the hands-on knowledge to continue the proper operation of the office.

Judith L. Fisher

• Born and raised in the Mon Valley and attended California area schools
• Graduated an honor student from California University with a teaching degree in special education
• Former coordinator for the Presidents Committee on mental retardation
• Continued college credits in social science and credits to be certified by the State of Pa. for Drug and Alcohol Counseling
• Worked with families battling the disease of addiction
• Currently serves as the Washington County Jury Commissioner, a position she has held for the past 18 1/2 years
• Resides in South Strabane with her husband Bob
• Has two children and are the proud grandparents of four

What will your priorities be if elected?

If elected my priorities would be to demonstrate honesty, fairness, integrity and efficiency in the office. My management style and skills center around being fair, courteous and committed to my staff and the public that I serve.

If elected, do you see specific changes or efforts that need to be made?

Concerning specific changes for the prothonotary's office, I would initiate current technology to update digital imaging of the currently filed documents. Currently, if there was to be a fire in the section of the courthouse that houses these documents, they would be destroyed. As I have done in my current office, I would continue to save taxpayers money.

Why should residents vote for you?

Because of my experience, experience, experience! I have held public office for 18 1/2 years, far more than the other candidates. My educational background and my knowledge of the Pennsylvania Statutes that pertain to elected offices uniquely qualify me for this position. I have loved serving the thousands of people that have come through my current office as jury commissioner. I am a proven leader and have a proven record.

For a complete list of all candidates running in the May primary, click . Continue to check back for candidate interviews and election coverage.