Quattro challenges Vlasic in judicial race

Both candidates crossfiled and will appear on the GOP and Democratic tickets.

First-term Magisterial District Judge Wayne Vlasic is being challenged by Jimi Quattro for the Monessen-based judicial seat in next week’s primary election.

The office covers Monessen, North Belle Vernon, Webster, Pricedale and portions of Rostraver Township and Lynnwood.

Both men cross-filed and will appear on the Republican and Democratic tickets.

Quattro, a Monessen native, graduated from Monessen High School and obtained an A.A.S. degree in criminal justice.

He studied at Westmoreland County Community College, PennWest California (formerly California University of Pennsylvania), IUP and Penn State Dickerson School of Law.

A long-time police officer, Quattro is well-versed in the law.

“I have spent thousands of hours in courtrooms from the magisterial district level to common pleas court in several counties,” he said. “I have been involved with cases ranging from parking tickets to double homicide trials.

“These experiences have given me a vast knowledge of courtroom settings, procedures and operations.”

Quattro also served in the military and said his time spent as a soldier has shown him “discipline, fortitude, perseverance and love of his country,” which he feels serve him well.

If elected, his first priority “will be to ensure everyone is treated fairly, with dignity, compassion and respect.”

“I will be a full time judge, present and available to the citizens of the district,” he said. “I will listen and pay specific attention to each event I deal with and I will keep the safety of the citizens at the forefront of my decision making.”

He would also like to interact with students in the Mon Valley “to assist them with understanding the law, making good decisions and becoming productive students and members of society.”

Quattro pledged to hold himself to the same standard as a judge that he has as a police officer.

“I will perform the duties of magisterial district judge with the highest level of integrity, professionalism, compassion and understanding, just as I have throughout my police career,” he said.

Vlasic, who’s seeking his second term, said he brings experience to the table.

“I have served on the bench and adjudicated over 10,000 cases from traffic, non-traffic, civil, landlord/tenant and school hearings,” he said. “In addition to signing search warrants, arrest warrants and emergency protection from abuse orders.”

Vlasic was first certified by the Minor Judiciary Education Board in 2020 and has been re-certified annually in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Vlasic is also a veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy Reserves for 25 years.

“I was honorably discharged in 2013, where I swore to support and defend the Constitution of the U.S.,” he said. “I live up to the core values of the U.S. Navy; honor, courage and commitment.”

He has also serves his community.

“I served as a volunteer with the Monessen Ambulance Service for approximately five years and also served as a volunteer fireman with the Monessen VFD No. 1 for approximately 15 years,” he said. “Additionally, I’ve served two terms on the Monessen school board and four terms as Monessen city controller.”

If reelected, Vlasic said he will continue to explain the works of the court to those who appear before him.

“The magisterial district court is the first level of judicial authority and is the court where many people experience the judicial system for the first time,” he said. “I will continue to explain to the people who appear, the workings of the court and how the court is conducted.

“It is important for the people who come before the court that they understand what a continuance is. In addition, for the people to understand what a preliminary arraignment is and why it is done.”

He wants to help people in need through both drug and veterans court.