North Strabane Supervisor Announces Coroner Bid

North Strabane Township Supervisor Robert Balogh announced his candidacy Wednesday for Washington County coroner -- a seat that has been held for more than 20 years by incumbent Tim Warco.

He will run as a Republican.

Balogh, 46, is a network administrator ("I'm the computer guy," he said with a laugh) and is in his final year of his first term as supervisor.

But he said it's his 30-year tenure in public safety that prompted him to aspire to the county seat.

"I'm coming to the end of my term, and it just seems like the political climate is right," Balogh said. "Most of the row offices are held by Democrats. I believe a Republican can win."

He said that his experience as a fireman, police officer, and director of operations for an ambulance company will help bring a fresh persepective to the position.

"I know it sounds morbid, but I have experienced every aspect of death," Balogh said. "Drom deaths at home, to violent deaths out in the field, I've experienced it all."

He lives in North Strabane with his wife, Diane.