More campaign announcements 2023
James Shepley — Somerset County commissioner
James Shepley announced he is seeking the Democratic nomination for Somerset County commissioner in the primary May 16. Shepley graduated from Forbes High School (now North Star), served in the National Guard, and was an assistant manager for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for 32 years. He lives in Quemahoning Township. He has served as Quemahoning Township auditor, on the North Star school board, and has coached football and basketball.
"The closing of small businesses and factories, the failure to attract new businesses and fill our empty industrial parks, all four of them," he said. "Creating jobs and filling these parks will only build the future for our young people who are looking to live in Somerset County, which would add to our tax base... If elected I will work for the people of Somerset County making Americas county a great place to live, work and educate our children."
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.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: 2023 campaign announcements for Somerset County, PA
