PA election 2023 voters guide: Candidates for Centre County commissioner and row offices
Centre County Controller
Jason Moser
Party: Dem
Campaign website: friendsofjasonmoser.com
Education: Bachelor’s from Penn State; certificate in public budgeting and financial management
Facebook: Jason Moser for Centre County Controller
Twitter: @JasonMoserCC
Email: info@friendsofjasonmoser.com
Q: Why did you choose to run for this office and what are your qualifications for the job?
A: I am running for reelection because I believe the Controller’s Office is the foundation to County Government operations. From vendor payments and payroll to auditing and pensions , we provide the support and expertise that allows every department and office at the county to seamlessly provide the crucial resources and services that county resents rely upon.
Today, we do this well and we’re currently in the midst of an overhaul of the software systems that maintain the county’s general ledger and human resource data to do it better. This is a major undertaking, and something I promised to do in 2019, that will provide better access to county data for residents, increasing accountability and transparency.
Trevor Stauffer
Party: Republican
Did not respond
Centre County Coroner
Scott A. Sayers
Party: Dem
Education: 1985 Graduate of Bald Eagle Area, attended Lock Haven University, 1988 graduate of Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science
Q: Why did you choose to run for this office and what are your qualifications for the job?
A: With having a background in funeral service, I just felt the need to assist people at the worst times in their life when dealing with loss of a loved one.
I’m in my 26 year as coroner. Achieved Diplomatic status with the American Board on Medicolegal Death Investigators, active member of the Pennsylvania Coroners Association and serves as a regional vice president on the PSCA executive board.
Centre County Prothonotary
Jeremy S. Breon
Party: Dem
Campaign website: friendsofjeremybreon.com
Education: Penn State, Duke University
Q: Why did you choose to run for this office and what are your qualifications for the job?
A: I am running for reelection as Centre County Prothonotary to serve our community. In my second term I want to build on the progress we made and identity ways to expand our services.
I am a lifelong resident of Centre County and reside on my family farm in Haines Township. With 12 years of experience working in the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts office, I am prepared to resolve concerns from our community and lead the office for another four years. I hold a degree from Penn State University and a Paralegal Certificate for Duke University.
For more information please visit my website www.friendsofjeremybreon.com. Please vote Nov. 7.
Centre County Recorder of Deeds
Joseph L. Davidson
Party: Rep
Campaign Website: votejoedavidson.com
Education: Penn State- business administration
Facebook: Re-Elect Joe Davidson Centre County Recorder of Deeds
Email: ccrod@comcast.net
Q: Why did you choose to run for this office and what are your qualifications for the job?
A: I have had the honor of serving Centre County as Recorder of Deeds for nearly 24 years. It has been a privilege to serve Centre County residents and ensure that tax dollars are being used effectively and efficiently. As Recorder of Deeds, I have modernized the office and improved customer service measures directly benefiting the users of the office, making it easier to access and utilize the services of the office. I am running for reelection to continue to provide this high quality service to the people of Centre County. I will continue to explore new technology, seek out more efficient practices, and will never lose sight of the basic function of government: public service.
Robert Zeigler
Party: Dem
Campaign website: zeiglerforpa.com
Education: B.A. in political science, MBA, MPA (Public Administration)
Facebook: Zeigler For A Better Tomorrow
Twitter: @ZeiglerForPA
Email: robert@zeiglerforpa.com
Q: Why did you choose to run for this office and what are your qualifications for the job?
A: I am running for Recorder of Deeds in Centre County is to serve my community at a higher level. While leading the Millheim Borough Council, we improved our fiscal flexibility, invested in solar to save taxpayer funds, gotten over $1.5 million in grant funds for projects and economic development, improved infrastructure, improved transparency, gotten broadband speeds faster than Penn State in the Penns Valley Region, and cut taxes. I have over 20 years of management and customer service experience with a history of finding solutions to problems. This office can be a stronger leader in innovation and advocate to address affordable housing and blighted properties in the county. Furthermore, Webia should be free since it is public record.
Centre County Register of Wills
Christine Millinder
Party: Rep
Education: High school diploma
Email: christine68.cm@gmail.com
Q: Why did you choose to run for this office and what are your qualifications for the job?
A: I am running for reelection for Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans’ Court because I enjoy helping people. My 36 years of experience in this office provides me with the qualifications to assist the public and legal professionals with the day to day operations relative the probate and estate administration. As Clerk of Orphans’ Court I am responsible for performing the administrative duties for the Court of Common Pleas. This consists of issuing and maintaining marriage licenses , maintaining all guardianship records and adoption cases. I am committed to serve the citizens of Centre County with the knowledge that I have gained with my years of experience.
Centre County Sheriff
Bryan Sampsel
Party: Rep
Education: Bellefonte Area High School, attended Pennsylvania State University in criminal justice, Act 2 PA Sheriff’s Academy at PSU
Facebook: Bryan Sampsel for Centre County Sheriff
Email: blsampsel@yahoo.com
Q: Why did you choose to run for this office and what are your qualifications for the job?
A: As a two-term elected Sheriff with over seven years of experience in the role, I am running for reelection to continue serving the people of Centre County. My qualifications include serving as a deputy sheriff and sheriff now for over 20 year and extensive training at the Deputy Sheriff Academy Act 2 among other individual trainings throughout my career.
Throughout my tenure, I have demonstrated a commitment to public safety, providing security for public buildings, and participating in community events. I am also involved in initiatives aimed at addressing important issues such as drug abuse, veteran suicide and domestic violence.
I believe that my experience and qualifications make me the best candidate for Sheriff of Centre County.
Centre County Treasurer
Justin Behrens
Party: Rep
Campaign website: behrensforcentrecounty.com
Education: MSW Temple University in social work
Facebook: Justin Behrens for Centre County Treasurer
Email: justin@behrensforcentrecounty.com
Q: Why did you choose to run for this office and what are your qualifications for the job?
A: The Centre County Treasurer’s Office is meant to represent all taxpayers, regardless of political affiliation. For the long-term benefit of our community, this office needs a new, committed, full-time public servant to ensure the financial security of our county. As an Iraqi War veteran and former CEO of a successful nonprofit, I understand the complexity of managing budgets while also supporting public needs. As treasurer, I will work tirelessly to be a good steward of your hard-earned money. I will work to maximize the safety, legality and liquidity of county investments to help offset your future tax contributions. I will use my experience to improve county processes such as those used to secure dog and hunting licenses.
Colleen Kennedy
Party: Dem
Education: B.A. in music, UCLA; Master of Education (M.Ed.), UCLA; accounting, Cal State Los Angeles
Facebook: Colleen Kennedy for Centre County Treasurer
Email: info@kennedyforcentre.com
Q: Why did you choose to run for this office and what are your qualifications for the job?
A: I have been an accounting professional for almost 20 years, and I greatly appreciate that in 2019 the Centre County community entrusted me to serve as treasurer.
During my tenure, I implemented online dog licensing and introduced credit card and eCheck payments. Also, with improved technology, I am in continual contact with my office.
I facilitated moving the employees’ retirement fund to a different institution, saving the county hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual fees. And as interest rates rose, I moved county investments into safe, higher-yield instruments, which increased interest earnings by nearly 600%.
There is always more to be done, and I look forward to the opportunity to expand on these improvements further.
Centre County Commissioner
(Vote for no more than 2)
Amber Cistaro Concepcion
Party: Dem
Campaign website: amberconcepcion.com
Education: State College Area High School alum, B.A. political science, Penn State University, 2001, M.A. government, Georgetown University, 2007
Facebook: Amber Concepcion, Centre County Commissioner
Email: aconcepcion@centrecountypa.gov
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: (1) Protecting your right to vote in free, fair, accessible and secure elections. (2) Strengthening communities by supporting small businesses/farms, providing excellent human services to our citizens (including mental health and addiction treatment), and ensuring strong public safety and emergency management across the county. Rural broadband expansion is crucial — we are pursuing state grants for four large projects this fall. As a small business owner, I believe in collaborative local economic development. Our revitalization efforts must include partnerships with nonprofit organizations in our communities, and support entrepreneurs, small businesses, and farms in our county. (3) Preserving Centre County’s natural resources by conserving our farms, forests and creeks; and investing in renewable energy for county facilities to achieve cost savings. Prudent and frugal long-term financial planning is key to the county achieving its most important goals within our financial means.
Steven Dershem
Party: Rep
Education: Graduate Bellefonte Area High School and B.A. labor studies Penn State University
Facebook: Steve Dershem Commissioner
Twitter: @CommishSteve
Email: votedershem@hotmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: The greatest challenge that any county commissioner will face is effectively managing the financial health of county government. The prudent day to day fiscal management of programs and being able to make tough funding choices are essential to the continued health of county government. Making those tough calls have enabled me to pass 13 budgets in a row without a tax increase. I am proud of our county team and our administrators for working together so well for the taxpayers of Centre County. I look forward to our continued success.
Also, helping maintain a vibrant local economy by providing the opportunity for every qualified contractor and construction professional to bid and work on all county taxpayer funded projects. I promote keeping jobs local, it just makes sense, in light of the upcoming Centre Crest construction project. We must repeal the local job killing RCO ordinance so more local workers can participate and our taxpayer dollars stay with local families.
Mark Higgins
Party: Dem
Campaign website: friendsofmarkhiggins.com
Education: 2014 graduate of Leadership Centre County. Graduate of Michigan State University with majors in marketing, general business and personnel
Facebook: Mark Higgins - Centre County Commissioner
Twitter: @CCMarkHiggins
Email: mark@centrecountypa.gov
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. I will protect your right to vote in secure, fair, free and accessible elections and I pledge to certify the election results.
2. We can strengthen our communities by supporting small businesses and farms, providing services to our citizens (including mental health and addiction treatment), and ensuring strong public safety and emergency management across the county. We have done this without increasing Centre County government property taxes for 13 years. We have applied for four large grants to expand rural broadband. Our revitalization efforts include partnerships with many organizations in our communities, supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and farms in our county. Over the last few years, we distributed more than $10,500,000 in funding to support small businesses.
3. Preserving Centre County’s natural resources by conserving our farms, forests, and creeks; and investing in renewable energy for county facilities to achieve cost savings.
Marie Librizzi
Party: Rep
Campaign website: marie2023.com
Education: College
Facebook: Marie2023
Email: oldmainart@aol.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Ensuring prosperity and opportunities for future generations are my driving factors to run for public office. I will solve our county’s rural broadband issue once and for all. If there are electric lines, there will be broadband lines. No exceptions. No excuses. I have already started building relationships and conducting research to make this happen. This is not a funding issue — there are more than enough state and federal funds to make this happen. This is a leadership issue. Our rural residents deserve a commissioner who can effectively manage this initiative and won’t stop until all of our homes and businesses have access to the digital infrastructure they deserve. Additionally, I will vote to repeal the Vehicle Registration Tax. Centre County does not own any roads or bridges — it’s that simple. Finally, I will manage county funds — your taxpayer dollars —with sincere responsibility and transparent accountability.
Centre County Judge of the Court of Common Pleas
Julia Rater
Party: Dem, Rep
Campaign website: Juliaforjudge.com
Education: The Dickinson School of Law, J.D. 1995 (Order of the Barristers); St. Vincent College, B.S. 1992 (highest honors)
Facebook: Julia For Judge
Email: julia@juliaforjudge.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: As judge, above all, I want everyone to know their case will be treated with importance. I will listen attentively and patiently to the evidence. I will decide the matter based on the unique facts of the case and the written law. Second, I want people to be respected. I will treat all people kindly, fairly, and equitably, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual preference, wealth, or disability. Third, I want the parties to receive a resolution within a reasonable amount of time. I know from experience, with clients involved in many different types of matters, that the wait is hard — sometimes excruciating. I will be decisive and efficient in rendering decisions. I will use my mediation and collaborative law background to move cases to completion, as resolving matters by agreement saves time, can eliminate criminal records, and opens the courtroom to those who need a decision by a judge.
Magisterial District Judge District 49-03-03
Allen W. Sinclair
Party: Dem, Rep
Education: MA Administrative of Justice; BA Criminology; 25 years as MDJ
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Remaining fair and impartial; Availability; Not forgetting where I am from
Magisterial District Judge District 49-02-01
Casey McClain
Party: Rep, Dem
Did not respond
