More than a dozen Fayette County candidates seeking their party nomination in the May 21st primary election had the opportunity to tout their experience and reasons for seeking the positions during a recent candidate forum.
Those attending listened to the five candidates pursuing two seats on the county Court of Common Pleas bench, seven of the eight candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for the county treasurer's position and four hopefuls in the prothonotary race. The lone jury commission candidate also took part in the gathering.
Attorney James Davis, who served as the master of ceremonies, said that the gathering was held to stem the voter apathy that has taken place in the past several elections.
"It takes a great deal of courage, discipline and hard work to run for office," said Davis. "We are so blessed to live in this country and should cherish the opportunity to participate in the political system."
Two positions are open on the judicial bench due to the early retirement of Judge Ralph C. Warman and Judge Gerald R. Solomon, who retired at the end of 2012 because he reached the mandatory retirement age of 70.
The candidates for the posts include attorneys Linda Cordaro, Joseph M. George Jr., Jack M. Purcell, Douglas S. Sepic and Steven Walton. The five will appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballots in the spring primary.
Also taking part in the forum included Democratic candidates for the county treasurer's position Brad W. Geyer, Melvin E. Lerch Jr., Beth Kerns-Patton, Thomas Pearson, Larry J. Russman, Nancy Lee Wilson and Michael Zimcosky. Former state Rep. Lawrence "Larry" Roberts is also seeking the Democratic nomination, but did not attend.
Democratic candidates for the county prothonotary position also offered brief statements, including Nina Capuzzi-Frankhouser, Pam Hudson, Paul Shipley and Robert Ted Pritchard.
Lauren Mahoney Yohman also attended the forum. She is seeking the Democratic nomination for jury commissioner. Janet Dean Trees, current Republican jury commissioner, is seeking re-election.
Davis, meanwhile, encouraged his fellow Democrats to take part in the election process.
"Honor our country by voting," he said.
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