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Wednesday, May 21, 2003

By Len Barcousky, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

While three incumbents easily won their primary races for Butler County commissioner, only a handful of votes separated the two Democratic candidates seeking the fourth nomination.

	More Primary 2003 Click to visit Butler County's election site for unofficial vote details. Tables with primary results for Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene and Washington counties will be published in Thursday print editions of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Linda Snyder, a psychologist, beat Mary Zacherl, secretary-treasurer of Clinton, for the final spot, according to unofficial returns. Zacherl said she probably wouldn't ask for a recount.

Republicans James Kennedy and Scott Lowe and Democrat Glenn Anderson, all incumbents led the primary voting in a field of six hopefuls.

Two Republicans and two Democrats will face off in the November general election for three seats on the board of commissioners. One commissioner must be from a different party than the other two.

Republican Edward Latuska, a physical therapist, was also seeking nomination for county commissioner.

Kennedy, 59, of Middlesex, the top vote-getter last night, has been a county commissioner since 1996.

Lowe, 49, of Butler was appointed a county commissioner last year.

Zacherl, 60, has worked for almost 20 years in Clinton, serving now as secretary/treasurer and zoning officer.

Snyder, 58, lives in Brady. She owns a bed-and-breakfast and has a private psychology practice.

Anderson, 56, has been a county commissioner since 1992 and is currently chairman. A resident of Chicora, he had served as a Donegal supervisor.

Latuska, 51, lives in Center, where he has been a supervisor since 1998.

Commissioners serve four-year terms. The commissioner salary is $53,224 while the chairman makes $55,538.

GOP incumbents for county row offices had no primary opposition and no Democrats had filed for their party's nominations. Apparent winners are District Attorney Tim McCune: Treasurer Diane R. Marburger, Prothonotary Glenna M. Walters, Recorder of Deeds Michele M. Mustello and Register of Wills/Clerk of Orphans Court Judy Moser.