Prepping for the 2011 Primary Election

The spring race to the May 17 primary has begun. A number of candidates have filed their petitions to run for office. Seven candidates are seeking five school board seats; four candidates are seeking two open seats on council. 

Dr. Mark Buzzatto, a Peters Township resident who has served on the school board since 1999, will not seek re-election. Read his statement .

If you haven't registered to vote, you must do so by April 18. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of State's online voting information and resource center website for more information.

All candidates running for school board have cross-filed, having their names appear on both the Republican and Democrat ballots. Voters will elect five board members into the general election for a four-year term.

Candidates running for the Washington County Court of Common Pleas have also cross-filed. 

All incumbents will be denoted with an asterisk.

, 5 seats, 4-year term:

All candidates have cross-filed with both parties.

• Greg Cox
• Lynn Erenberg *
• William Merrell
• Julie Ann Sullivan *
• Ron Dunleavy
• Tom McMurray *
• Diane Ritter *

Peters Township Council, 2 seats, 4-year term:

There were no Democrats to file petitions for township council.

• Robert Atkison *
• Robert Lewis *
• Meghan Jones-Rolla 
• Ted Taylor IV

Washington County Court of Common Pleas, 10-year term:

Candidates have cross-filed with both parties.

• Charles Kurowski
• Lane Turturice .
• Gary Gilman
• Phil Melograne *

Washington County Commissioner, 4-year term:

• Bill Northrop (R)
• Diana Irey Vaughan (R) *
• Larry Maggi (D) *
• John M. Petrisek (D) .
• Wayne E. Watson (D)
• Randy J. Barli (D)
• Greg Sulc (D) .
• Harlan Shober (D)
• Joe Manning (D)

Washington County District Attorney, 4-year term: 

• Gene Vittone (R) .
• Dave DiCarlo (D) .

Washington County Coroner, 4-year term: 

• Robert F. Balogh (R) .
• Mark W. Adams (R)
• S. Timothy Warco (D) *

Washington County Register of Wills, 4-year term: 

• Mary Jo Poknis (D) *

Washington County Treasurer, 4-year term:

• Francis L. King (D) *

Washington County Clerk of Courts, 4-year term: 

• Marcus Mercante Staley (R) .
• Barbara Gibbs (D) *

Washington County Prothonotary, 4-year term: 

• Matthew David Staniszewski (R) .
• Judith L. Fisher (D)
• Phyllis Ranko-Matheny (D) *
• Lisa Stout-Bashioum (D)

Washington County Judge of Commonwealth Court, 10-year term: 

• Ann Covey (R)
• Paul Panepinto (R)

Washington County Judge of Pennsylvania Superior Court, 10-year term: 

• Vic Stabile (R)
• Paula Patrick (R)

Washington County Magisterial District Judge, 10-year term: 

Candidates have cross-filed with both parties.

• , Peters Township *
• Valarie Costanzo, Cecil Township *
• Gary H. Havelka *
• Jay Weller *

Missed our story on the March 2 candidate meet and greet? Read it .