Several primary battles are on the ballot in Westmoreland County
Mon Valley voters will see primary election battles on May 20 in multiple offices — from judicial and county executive posts to mayoral and school board seats.
Only those registered as Democrats or Republicans by May 5 will be able to vote for their slate of candidates.
This municipal year election could have larger than usual implications for voters. Local elected officials make decisions on everything from garbage collection and street repairs to building new parks, operating the judicial system and providing services to citizens.
Here are the Mon Valley candidates who have filed their petitions in Westmoreland County by the deadline for municipal government seats and the magistrate position in Monessen.
City of Monessen
First-term Mayor Ron Mozer, a Democrat, faces no opposition for his reelection bid, nor do Councilmen Anthony W. Orzechowski and John Scott Nestor, both Democrats.
City Treasurer Gerald A. Saksun has no opposition for reelection.
No one filed to run for the city controller seat.
Magisterial District 10-1-03
First-term Magisterial District Judge Wayne Vlasic will face Jimi Quattro for the Monessen-based judicial seat. Both men crossfiled.
North Belle Vernon
Longtime Democratic incumbent Mayor Craig V. Ambrose faces no opposition for reelection.
There are only three candidates for one of four, four-year council seats: Democrats John J. Gilmore, Jon P. Wasicek and Republican Karen W. Jones.
Virginia Ferguson is unopposed for tax collector.
Rostraver Township
There are two, four-year seats on the ballot for Rostraver Township commissioner. Incumbent Republicans Jeff Johnson and Justin Kosanko have no opposition.
There will be a race in the fall, however, for tax collector. Incumbent Patricia (Pat) Lander faces a challenge from Democrat Jody Spedaliere.
Sutersville
The small community of Sutersville has no one on the ballot for mayor, four council seats and tax collector.
West Newton
Longtime Mayor Mary Popovich, a Democrat, has opposition from GOP challenger Robert Kepics. Seeking one of three, fouryear seats on council are Democrats Jason Cooper, Terri Sam Eckels and Brenda L. Maleski.
Nicole Humenik is unopposed for tax collector.
