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Incumbent Westmoreland County Commissioners Tom Balya and Thomas C. Ceraso were victorious last night on the Democratic ticket, while Kim Ward and George Dunbar earned the Republican nominations.
Mr. Balya, 49, of Greensburg, seeking his fourth consecutive term, led the Democratic hopefuls, followed by Mr. Ceraso, 43, of New Kensington, a two-term commissioner, and Virginia Oplinger of South Greensburg, making her second unsuccessful bid for the commissioner's office.
The incumbents will be challenged by Ms. Ward, 50, chairwoman of the Hempfield supervisors and former county Republican Party chairwoman who led the GOP ticket, and Mr. Dunbar, 46, a Penn Township commissioner and a self-employed certified public accountant.
Other Republicans who sought the nominations were Michael Reese, 29, of Mount Pleasant Township, chief of staff for Republican County Commissioner Phil Light, who chose not to run, and Wayne P. McGrew, 39, of Sewickley Township, a lawyer in general practice in Greensburg. Mr. Light, 62, of Laurel Mountain, was appointed in October 2004 to the unexpired term of Republican Terry Marolt, who died in office.
Breaking from tradition, the Westmoreland County Republican Committee voted in March to endorse primary election candidates, giving the nods to Ms. Ward and Mr. Dunbar. The endorsements were seen as an indication the party will be aggressive in the general election to try to capture the majority on the board, which they haven't accomplished since 1956.
In other countywide races, Controller Carmen Pedicone of Jeannette and Sheriff Chris Scherer of Lower Burrell were unopposed on the Democratic ballot and face no Republican opposition in the fall.
In other races in November's general election, incumbent Democratic Treasurer Kathalyn O'Brien of Hempfield will face off against Republican Frank E. Schiefer of Hempfield; Democratic Recorder of Deeds Tom Murphy of Arnold will be challenged by Republican Patrick D. Laughlin of Greensburg; and Democratic Register of Wills Earl S. Keim II of Youngwood will be pitted against Republican Wayne Doptis of Monessen.
