Here are the individuals running for local Somerset County offices in 2023

Voters will see a slew of local offices up for election this year and many local faces have announced their candidacies.

The primary is May 16 and the general election is Nov. 7.

The last day to register to vote in the primary is May 1 and the last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is May 9.

The last day to register to vote in the general election is Oct. 23. The last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot for the general election is Oct. 31.

To register to vote in Pennsylvania, visit https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx

To request a mail-in or absentee ballot, visit https://www.vote.pa.gov/Voting-in-PA/Pages/Mail-and-Absentee-Ballot.aspx

The following individuals have announced their candidacy for various local offices. The last day an individual can announce their candidacy is March 7. The Daily American will update this list of candidates after the deadline.

Rose Svonavec — clerk of courts

Rose Svonavec is seeking another term as clerk of courts for Somerset County. She has held the position since 2012. During her term she has instituted Summary Offense Payment Plans, Electronic Records Management System (ERMS), and PAC Filing for attorneys. She recently launched the PA Pardon’s Project in Somerset County and worked to insure the office stays technologically updated. The office of the Clerk of Courts is responsible for criminal filings and the custodian of all criminal court records as well as licenses for bail bondsmen, constables and private detectives. The office is responsible for issuing and vacating bench warrants and the sealing of confidential documents.

“Serving the county must be a priority. My staff prides themselves in treating everyone courteously and professionally,” she said. As clerk of courts, Svonavec is a member of Criminal Justice Administrative Board and serves as chairman of AOPC’s Clerk of Courts Manual Committee and is a member of Somerset County’s Record Improvement Committee. Svonavec lives in New Centerville with her husband, Joseph. Rose is a graduate of Somerset High School and attended IUP and is a medical laboratory technician. She was also a jury commissioner for Somerset County and office manager for her husband’s antique tractor parts business.

Trent Walters — recorder of deeds

Trent Walters is a lifelong resident of Somerset County. Walters was raised in Cairnbrook, with his grandparents residing in Stoystown. He later moved to Briarwood in Somerset. He has spent his life serving the community of Somerset County; since the age of 18, he volunteered to help facilitate the Somerset County Board of Elections for Shade Township. Thereafter, working in the Somerset County Children and Youth Services office.

Walters was also employed as a hospitality supervisor at Seven Springs and Hidden Valley resorts for many years. He is currently employed as a manager at Thomas Automotive Family. His educational background includes an associate degree in radiology from Penn Highlands Community College and a real estate degree from Polly and Associates. He is also a member of the Stoystown United Church of Christ. He is a current member of the Somerset Cambria County Association of Realtors. He has been supporting Somerset County residents with their realty needs as a realtor. With his experience as a realtor, he will be able to bring the same code of ethics to Somerset County’s recorder of deeds office.

Patricia A. Peifer — recorder of deeds

Somerset County Recorder of Deeds Patricia A. Peifer announced that she will seek reelection in the Recorder of Deeds Office. Peifer, 54, was appointed to the position in November 2013 to fill a vacancy left by Lorraine Barron. Peifer, a Republican, then secured her first full term when she ran in 2015. Peifer has 22 years of experience in the recorder of deeds office.

“I am fully committed to preserving the integrity and advancement of the Recorder of Deeds Office into the future of Somerset County. I am very proud of my staff who all go above and beyond to help our constituents," she said.

Sharon K. Ackerman — register of wills and clerk of orphans’ court

Somerset County Register of Wills and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas Orphans’ Court Division, Sharon K. Ackerman, announced her intention to stand for reelection in the 2023 election. The Register of Wills has exclusive jurisdiction over the probate of wills and the grant of letters to qualified individuals. The Register of Wills serves as an agent for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in collecting inheritance taxes.

“It is my high honor to serve as Somerset County’s 47th Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court. My unique qualifications span 19 years of serving the citizens of Somerset County in the office, as well as continuing education provided by the Registers of Wills and Clerks of Orphans’ Court Association of Pennsylvania,” Ackerman said.

Scott A. Walker — magisterial district judge

Scott A. Walker, Somerset, announced his candidacy for Magisterial District Judge of District 16-3-03, currently held by the Honorable Kenneth Johnson. Walker is a lifelong resident of Somerset and is a registered Republican. Walker graduated from Somerset Area High School and then attended GMI Engineering and Management Institute, now Kettering University, receiving a bachelor of science degree in manufacturing engineering in 1996. Scott worked as an engineer for several local manufacturers before attending Duquesne University. Walker is also an Eagle Scout and Life Member of the National Rifle Association.

Since December of 2005, Walker has been employed by the law firm of Carolann A. Young and Associates. In addition to his employment with Carolann A. Young and Associates, Walker has previously served as a part-time solicitor for Somerset County Children and Youth Services and as appointed counsel for parents involved in Children and Youth cases. Walker continues to represent participants in Children and Youth cases in Somerset and Bedford counties at the request of the court. Walker has also served as a member of Somerset Borough Council and served as mayor for eight years, until December 2021. Scott also serves as the solicitor for several Somerset County boroughs and is currently the president of the Somerset County Bar Association.

Colleen Dawson — Somerset County commissioner

Somerset County Commissioner Colleen R. Dawson has announced her candidacy for reelection as county commissioner. Dawson serves on the PennDOT/Southern Alleghenies Rural Transportation Coordinating Committee, Cambria Somerset Authority, Area Agency of Aging Advisory Board, Suicide Prevention Task Force, Somerset County Foundation for Higher Education, Southern Tier, Salisbury Family Center, Go Laurel Highlands Tourism Grant Committee, Somerset County Chamber of Commerce, and numerous other positions. Her priorities include the completion of Route 219, revamping the county's recycling program and not raising taxes.

“The outpouring of encouragement and support for me to continue in my position as commissioner has truly been humbling. I am inspired by the faith and confidence that people have in me and my abilities to continue to fulfill the duties and obligations of Commissioner. I ask the residents of Somerset County for their vote in this year’s primary election so that I may continue to represent them and serve as their county commissioner,” she said.

Jerry Lyons — auditor

Jerry L. Lyons, of Somerset Township, announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for reelection as Somerset County Auditor. He has served in the position since 2003. He is also past president and past recording secretary of the Somerset Volunteer Fire Department and Somerset Fire Department Relief Association, a 33rd degree Freemason, a past district deputy in Somerset and Cambria counties for the Pennsylvania Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, past master of Somerset Masonic Lodge, past president of the Somerset County Scottish Rite Club, past officer in the Somerset County Shrine Club, past presiding officer in the Valley of Altoona A.A.S.R., past treasurer of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1801 in Somerset, serves on the advisory council of the Somerset County Local Emergency Planning Committee, and a past council member for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Somerset County.

"The position of County Auditor is very important. It's a board of three persons who keep an eye on the financial transactions of the other government offices to assure everything is handled properly. We are the citizens' watchdog of the county government offices. Experience is important,” Lyons said. “It takes time to learn about the various methods of bookkeeping in the various offices within the county. Having served in the position, I have the advantage of that experience.”

Dusty Weir — sheriff

Dusty Weir is a lifelong resident of Somerset County and graduated from the Johnstown Regional Police Academy. He spent several years as a Corrections Officer at the Somerset County Jail, before transitioning into the position of Deputy Sheriff of Somerset County. Weir was promoted to chief deputy sheriff, subsequent to the retirement of the former chief deputy sheriff. Adding to the responsibilities of this position, he accomplished several more hours of training, welcoming the title as a firearms instructor and has 23 years experience in law enforcement. In 2021 Brad Cramer, the high sheriff of Somerset County, unexpectedly passed away. As the chief deputy sheriff of Somerset County, Weir stepped up to assume this role and duties.

In conjunction to overseeing the Somerset County Sheriff’s Special Deputies, Sheriff’s Mounted Posse and the Somerset Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team, his continued role as chief deputy sheriff are splayed within the mix of his daily tasks. With his strong commitment to the 2nd Amendment, Weir organizes and promotes a free Hand Gun Safety Course offered to the public. Weir still incorporates many efforts in cleaning up the streets of Somerset County as an active and efficient member of the Somerset County Drug Task Force.

Gerald Walker — Somerset County commissioner

Gerald Walker, lifelong resident of Somerset County, and current chairman of the Somerset County Board of Commissioners, announced his intent to run for reelection for a third term. He said during his terms in office, Somerset County has seen many accomplishments and successes. He also sits on the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission, Somerset County Child Advocacy board, Somerset Drug Free Communities, Bedford Somerset Development and Behavioral Health Services board, Somerset County 911 Advisory Board, Tableland Services board and Somerset County Chamber of Commerce board.

"Taxes have not been raised, Route 219 has been funded up to the construction phase, partnership in forming a regional broadband authority (Alleghenies Broadband Inc.) to help deploy broadband throughout the region, pursuing grants to fund the 911 Trail and the 5-mile trail around Somerset Lake. I continue to work with Somerset County Drug Free Communities, Twin Lakes, and Single County Authority to address the opioid crisis in our community through their education, prevention and recovery programs."

Irv Kimmel and Brian Fochtman — Somerset County commissioners

Republicans Irv Kimmel and Brian Fochtman announced they are running as a team to bring a real Republican majority to the Somerset County commissioners. Kimmel is a lifelong resident of Somerset County, graduate of Somerset High School, local farmer, truck driver and leader in his community. He also serves as a Rockwood school board member, president of the Rockwood Youth Football League, president of the Appalachian Youth Football League, and a New Centerville Volunteer Fire Department volunteer.

Fochtman is a lifelong resident of Somerset County and a longtime state trooper. He also served as chief of police of Berlin Borough, as a Somerset County deputy sheriff, and as a youth football and wrestling coach. He is an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Baltimore, has pro-life values, is a member of the National Rifle Association and is a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights.

“The Constitution of the United States was put in place for the good times, but more importantly, our founders had the foresight to develop a document that protected our rights during the toughest times,” said Kimmel and Fochtman. “At a time when we needed strong conservative leaders to protect our families, our county commissioners failed us and went even further than liberal Governor Tom Wolf did in shutting our county down. We are running to bring real Republican leadership to the courthouse and to always protect your rights.”

Dixie Kelly Lemley — auditor

Dixie Kelly Lemley, of Milford Township and a life-long resident of Somerset County, will seek the Republican nomination for Somerset County auditor. After 32 years of employment at Somerset Trust Company, she retired in 2020 as a customer service representative. Her banking experience also includes nine years with National Bank of Western Pennsylvania. She currently volunteers for the Somerset County Mobile Food Bank, the New Centerville Farmers and Threshermens Jubilee and the annual bear check station. In the past, has been involved with committee work for the Rockwood River & Rails and the Kids in Need Program.

"I feel confident in my abilities to perform the duties of County Auditor effectively and professionally", Kelly Lemley said. "I balanced bank statements, audited accounts, resolved and researched errors, opened accounts, and carried out duties that require a knowledge of banking rules and regulations. My duties included handling issues with many professionals such as attorneys, municipal government officials and funeral directors. Working with the public was an enjoyable part of my job."

Michael Kuhn — magisterial district judge

Michael L. Kuhn, 58, of Somerset, has announced he is entering the campaign for Magisterial District Judge of District 3, which includes precincts in Somerset Borough and Somerset Township. Kuhn, a registered Republican, is running for the nomination of both the Republican and Democratic parties. Kuhn has a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science from Saint Francis College, attended Duquesne University School of Law, was a law clerk for several local Judges including former President Judge Eugene E. Fike II, prior to accepting an associate position at a law firm in Elizabethtown, Lancaster County, where he practiced in the fields of real estate, mental health, estates, criminal and family law. He established is own law firm, served as a public defender and served as the Divorce Case Standing Master, Domestic Relations Permanent Hearing Officer and Master of both Children and Youth Services and Juvenile Probation.

“I have learned from Judge Johnson that being organized and prepared, leads to being more efficient and effective as a Judge and manager of a large office. I will strive to continue to run this office effectively and as economically as possible to save all the citizens of Somerset County time, money and wasted effort that so often occurs in judicial proceedings. At this point in my legal career, I believe I have the judicial experience and legal knowledge to manage the Office of Magisterial District Justice effectively and efficiently. I am looking forward to serving the citizens of Somerset County,” he said.

Pamela Tokar-Ickes — Somerset County commissioner

Pamela Tokar-Ickes has announced she will seek the Democratic nomination for the office of Somerset County Commissioner in the spring primary. Citing her experience, record of accomplishments, and steady and committed leadership to county government, Tokar-Ickes will seek her sixth and final term in office. Her focus will include the delivery of vital human and behavioral health services to children and families, budgetary oversight of the courts and correctional system, in-home and social support for the aging population, the administration of elections, support for military veterans, emergency dispatch services, economic and workforce development planning and programs and quality of life services that include recreation and recycling.

“County government is about our community. The board of commissioners must be able to work together in the best interest of all residents of Somerset County to meet county government’s many important responsibilities while being fiscally responsible to our residents.” she said. “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, county government met its obligations to our community. County employees were not laid off and we did not close.”

Molly Metzgar — district attorney

Molly Metzgar has announced her intention to seek the Republican nomination for the Office of Somerset County District Attorney. Metzgar is a lifelong resident of Somerset County, NRA member and a Berlin Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary member. She graduated from Somerset Area School District and then went on to graduate summa cum laude from Duquesne University with a dual major in only three years. Molly then attended Duquesne University School of Law graduating with honors. Prior to assuming the role of district attorney, Metzgar practiced law with the law firm of Metzgar & Metzgar LLC. Metzgar assumed the role of Acting District Attorney in Nov. 2021 committing herself to ensure stability, continuity and vigorous prosecution within the office.

Metzgar said she has made it her priority to aggressively prosecute drug dealers, child predators, animal abusers, and domestic batterers to the fullest extent of the law. While managing the office, she still continues to carry a heavy caseload of her own to ensure that dealers of deadly drugs, and violent criminals are punished accordingly. In just a little over one year, Metzgar’s office has been responsible for sending child molestors and rapists away to state prison for more than 100 years in maximum sentences, while at the same time convicting over 15 drug dealers with felony drug charges, removing millions of dollars of illegal drugs from the streets.

Shelley Glessner — auditor

Shelley Glessner, lifelong Democrat and Sipesville resident, is seeking another term as Somerset County auditor. She first served as auditor from 1995 to 2004. In 2004 she served the Pennsylvania Auditor General's Office. Glessner graduated from Meyersdale Area High School and has a degree in accounting from Bradford School of Business.

She said she has more than three decades of experience as a regional leader and volunteer, including Somerset County Democratic Committee Chairwoman and PA soccer referee.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: 2023 election primary in Somerset County, PA