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21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
6 Erie County school districts had primary election races. 7 will have races in November
A number of local school districts had contested races for school board nominations in the May 20 municipal primary. There will be races again in November in the Erie, General McLane, Girard, Iroquois, North East and Northwestern school districts, according to unofficial election results. Seeking four seats available on the Erie School Board this fall will be incumbents Jay Breneman and Zakaria Sharif plus Leah Merski, former school director Gary Horton and Hayan Aloush. Merski, Breneman, Horton and Sharif won Democratic nominations with 5,851, 5,419, 5,378 and 3,906 votes, respectively. Failing to win Democratic nominations were Danielle Randall with 3,691 votes, Tony Quinn with 2,614, Tywonn Taylor with 2,266 and Aloush with 1,078. Republican nominations went to Merski, Horton, Sharif and Aloush, with 1,924, 1,140, 1,028 and 802 votes, respectively. Taylor failed to win a Republican nomination with 714 votes. Erie mayoral race: Daria Devlin stuns two-term incumbent Joe Schember to win Democratic primary Incumbent school directors Jason Halfast, Joe Frisina, Amy Allen and Richard Farver won nominations for re-election in both parties. Challenger Andrea Chelton failed to win a nomination. In Democratic balloting, Halfast led with 315 votes followed by Farver, 306; Allen, 291; Frisina, 236; and Chelton, 202. On the Republican ballot, Halfast led again with 522 votes. Allen had 489, Farver 469, and Frisina, 386, to win nominations. Chelton trailed with 349 votes. Two candidates for a four-year at-large seat on the school board will face each other again in November. Donald Ickes won the Democratic nomination with 836 votes to 422 for Mark Kernick. Kernick won the Republican nomination with 596 votes to 530 for Ickes. The only other contest in the district was for a Region 3 seat on the board. George Roberts won the nomination in both parties with 179 Democratic votes and 126 Republican votes to 164 and 59 votes, respectively, for Brad Pattullo. Incumbent school directors Mike McConnell and Joseph Legnasky plus Chris McNally, Daniel Maher and Jason Bax will vie for four four-year seats on the Girard School Board in November. Democratic nominations went to McConnell, 587 votes; McNally, 566; Maher, 529; and Legnasky, 433. Bax trailed with 421 votes. Republican nominations went to McConnell, McNally, Maher and Jason Bax, with 565, 535, 516 and 401 votes, respectively. Legnasky trailed with 374 votes. There were no races for party nominations for Iroquois School Board, but there will be a race this fall as incumbents Andrew Jackula, Michael King and Rita Nicolussi face challengers Lucia Conti and Jake Wilder for four board seats. Conti, Nicolussi, Jackula and Wilder won Democratic nominations with 503, 484, 465 and 453 votes, respectively. Jackula, with 244 votes, King, with 223, and Nicolussi, with 221, won Republican nominations. Incumbent school directors Jane Blystone, Corrie Boyd and Alene Rohde and challengers Ginny Schwartz, Amanda Steeneck and Neil McCord will contend for four-year terms on the North East School Board in November. Democrats nominated Blystone with 442 votes, Boyd with 430, Schwartz with 402 and Rohde with 378. Failing to win Democratic nominations were Dominic Gardunio with 336 votes and Steeneck with 290. Republican nominations went to McCord with 687 votes, Boyd with 649, Steeneck with 553 and Blystone with 491. Failing to win Republican nominations were Schwartz with 272 votes and Gardunio with 176. Democratic nominations for Northwestern School Board went to Heather Fawcett with 475 votes, incumbent Mark Swanson with 450, Jennifer Kumar with 340 and another incumbent, Becky Mikovch, with 313. Courtney Roberts, with 244 votes, and Bre Haycock, with 138, failed to win Democratic nominations. Republican nominations went to Fawcett with 547 votes, Swanson with 533, Mikovch with 486 and Dan Peppers with 365. Kumar, with 316 votes, Roberts with 296 and Haycock with 167 did not win Republican nominations. Squaring off in November will be Fawcett, Swanson, Mikovch, Kumar and Peppers, for four available board seats. Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@ This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Voters pick the winners in contested Erie area school board races
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
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Verdict in Erie judge race to come in fall as Mosco and Lightner score party nominations
The three-way race for Erie County judge is down to two nominees. In a race in which one of the candidates could have won both party nominations and locked up the race, Emily Mosco Merski took the Democratic nomination and Jeremy Lightner took the Republican nomination, according to final unofficial vote totals the Erie County Elections and Voter Registration Office released at 11:28 p.m. on May 20. The total includes all mail-in ballots, the office said. The third candidate in the judge's race, Leigh Ann Orton, lost both nominations. Merski and Lightner will run against each other in the Nov. 4 municipal election for a seat on the nine-member Erie County Court of Common Pleas. Merski and Lightner are both registered Democrats who cross-filed on the Democratic and Republican ballots. Orton is a registered Republican who also cross-filed. With 100% of precincts reporting, Merski, a part-time assistant public defender for Erie County, received 15,100 votes on the Democratic ballot, or 58.2%, according to the unofficial totals. Lightner received 7,859 Democratic votes, or 30.29%, and Orton received 2,936 or 11.32%. On the Republican side, Lightner led with 5,801 votes, or 37.27%. Orton received 4,924 Republican votes, or 31.63%, and Merski received 4,806, or 30.87%. Merski, 42, is a part-time assistant public defender for Erie County who also has a private law practice. Lightner, 39, is one of two chief deputy district attorneys for Erie County. Both live in the city of Erie. More: Review coverage from the Erie County municipal primary Orton, 53, is the first assistant solicitor for Erie County. She lives in North East Township and unsuccessfully ran for judge in 2023. Merski was the only candidate who received a "recommended" rating in the Erie County Bar Association's lawyers' poll. Lightner and Orton both received "no rating." Merski and Lightner's campaigns both relied on personal loans and in-kind contributions for funding. Orton's campaign raised the least of the three, according to pre-primary campaign finance filings. The winner on Nov. 4 will fill the seat on the local bench that has been vacant since Judge Elizabeth K. Kelly retired in April 2024. Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@ or 814-870-1813. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Mosco, Lightner win nominations in judge's race, will compete in fall
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
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'Well-rounded understanding': Q&A with public defender Emily Mosco Merski in judge's race
Emily Mosco Merski is a part-time assistant public defender for Erie County who has handled a range of other matters, including in civil and family court. Merski said her "diverse legal background" is among her qualifications to be the next judge on the Erie County Court of Common Pleas. Merski is running in the May 20 municipal primary against Jeremy Lightner, a chief district attorney for Erie County; and Leigh Ann Orton, the first assistant solicitor for Erie County. Party registration: Democrat. Merski is cross-filed as a Democrat and a Republican. Age: 42 Residence: City of Erie Experience: Solo practice at Vendetti & Vendetti law firm in Erie for past 13 years. Part-time assistant public defender for Erie County, specializing in appeals, since 2012. Started career as an associate at Knox Law Firm in Erie. Education: Mercyhurst College; law degree from Penn State Dickinson Law. Admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 2011. Personal: Married to state Rep. Bob Merski, a Democrat who represents the 2nd District in the Pennsylvania House; two children Social media: Erie County Bar Association poll: Recommended Question: Why do you want to be a judge on the Erie County Court of Common Pleas? Answer: I believe my diverse legal background, commitment to justice and dedication to serving the community uniquely position me to be an effective addition to the bench. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience across many areas of law, including criminal defense, civil litigation, family law and juvenile matters. This broad perspective has given me a well-rounded understanding of the legal system and its profound impact on individuals and families. As a public defender, I have advocated for people who are often marginalized and voiceless, and I have witnessed firsthand how deeply the justice system affects lives and futures. I believe one of the most important roles a judge plays that of the "what-happens-next" person in someone's life. When I chose to become a lawyer, especially an indigent defense attorney, it was with the hope of making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As a judge, the opportunity to guide individuals through the next steps —whether in criminal, juvenile, civil or family law matters — is an incredible responsibility. Describe the case that has had the most impact on you as a lawyer. As a new public defender, I was assigned to handle an appeal in a high-profile case. I was already familiar with the matter from news reports and, like many, had formed preconceived notions about the client and their actions. However, as I worked through the case, I quickly realized that my personal feelings about my client and their conduct could not influence my advocacy. This experience taught me a fundamental lesson: Not everyone views the world through the same lens. People's actions are shaped by a multitude of factors, including their experiences and perspectives. Whether their actions were right or wrong, I came away from that case with a deeper understanding of the importance of meeting people where they are, listening without judgment and striving to understand the challenges that brought them into the courtroom. With that newfound perspective, I was able to advocate more effectively for my clients and appreciate the human aspects of their cases. As Erie County's next judge, I bring the recognition and understanding that those who appear before the court are not merely case numbers, but individuals whose lives — and futures — can be profoundly impacted by the court's decisions. Describe any changes or innovations that you would like to bring to Common Pleas Court. The eight Common Pleas judges currently serving in Erie County strive to make a significant and meaningful impact on our community. Having been in the courtroom nearly every day of my practice, I have seen, firsthand, the impact the legal system has on individuals and families. If given the opportunity, I would seek to complement their efforts with a strong commitment to improving public understanding of court operations and enhancing the accessibility and transparency of court proceedings.I believe that a fair and effective judiciary requires not only legal expertise but also a connection to the community it serves. Judges must be approachable and engaged, ensuring that the people who come before the court feel seen, heard and understood. Ongoing community involvement not only promotes transparency but also provides valuable insight into the real world challenges facing individuals and families in Erie County. I am actively involved with organizations that broaden my perspective on the needs of our community. I currently serve on the boards of Erie Homes for Children and Adults and the Mercy Center for Women, among others. It is this unique combination of professional experience and community engagement that I would bring to the bench. Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@ or 814-870-1813. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County judge race: Emily Mosco Merski cites community service
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
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'Well-rounded understanding': Q&A with public defender Emily Mosco Merski in judge's race
Emily Mosco Merski is a part-time assistant public defender for Erie County who has handled a range of other matters, including in civil and family court. Merski said her "diverse legal background" is among her qualifications to be the next judge on the Erie County Court of Common Pleas. Merski is running in the May 20 municipal primary against Jeremy Lightner, a chief district attorney for Erie County; and Leigh Ann Orton, the first assistant solicitor for Erie County. Party registration: Democrat. Merski is cross-filed as a Democrat and a Republican. Age: 42 Residence: City of Erie Experience: Solo practice at Vendetti & Vendetti law firm in Erie for past 13 years. Part-time assistant public defender for Erie County, specializing in appeals, since 2012. Started career as an associate at Knox Law Firm in Erie. Education: Mercyhurst College; law degree from Penn State Dickinson Law. Admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 2011. Personal: Married to state Rep. Bob Merski, a Democrat who represents the 2nd District in the Pennsylvania House; two children Social media: Erie County Bar Association poll: Recommended Question: Why do you want to be a judge on the Erie County Court of Common Pleas? Answer: I believe my diverse legal background, commitment to justice and dedication to serving the community uniquely position me to be an effective addition to the bench. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive experience across many areas of law, including criminal defense, civil litigation, family law and juvenile matters. This broad perspective has given me a well-rounded understanding of the legal system and its profound impact on individuals and families. As a public defender, I have advocated for people who are often marginalized and voiceless, and I have witnessed firsthand how deeply the justice system affects lives and futures. I believe one of the most important roles a judge plays that of the "what-happens-next" person in someone's life. When I chose to become a lawyer, especially an indigent defense attorney, it was with the hope of making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As a judge, the opportunity to guide individuals through the next steps —whether in criminal, juvenile, civil or family law matters — is an incredible responsibility. Describe the case that has had the most impact on you as a lawyer. As a new public defender, I was assigned to handle an appeal in a high-profile case. I was already familiar with the matter from news reports and, like many, had formed preconceived notions about the client and their actions. However, as I worked through the case, I quickly realized that my personal feelings about my client and their conduct could not influence my advocacy. This experience taught me a fundamental lesson: Not everyone views the world through the same lens. People's actions are shaped by a multitude of factors, including their experiences and perspectives. Whether their actions were right or wrong, I came away from that case with a deeper understanding of the importance of meeting people where they are, listening without judgment and striving to understand the challenges that brought them into the courtroom. With that newfound perspective, I was able to advocate more effectively for my clients and appreciate the human aspects of their cases. As Erie County's next judge, I bring the recognition and understanding that those who appear before the court are not merely case numbers, but individuals whose lives — and futures — can be profoundly impacted by the court's decisions. Describe any changes or innovations that you would like to bring to Common Pleas Court. The eight Common Pleas judges currently serving in Erie County strive to make a significant and meaningful impact on our community. Having been in the courtroom nearly every day of my practice, I have seen, firsthand, the impact the legal system has on individuals and families. If given the opportunity, I would seek to complement their efforts with a strong commitment to improving public understanding of court operations and enhancing the accessibility and transparency of court proceedings.I believe that a fair and effective judiciary requires not only legal expertise but also a connection to the community it serves. Judges must be approachable and engaged, ensuring that the people who come before the court feel seen, heard and understood. Ongoing community involvement not only promotes transparency but also provides valuable insight into the real world challenges facing individuals and families in Erie County. I am actively involved with organizations that broaden my perspective on the needs of our community. I currently serve on the boards of Erie Homes for Children and Adults and the Mercy Center for Women, among others. It is this unique combination of professional experience and community engagement that I would bring to the bench. Contact Ed Palattella at epalattella@ or 814-870-1813. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County judge race: Emily Mosco Merski cites community service
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Merski gets only 'recommended' rating from lawyers in three-way race for Erie County judge
As the May 20 municipal primary approaches, Erie County's lawyers have returned their verdict on who should be the next judge on the Erie County Court of Common Pleas. Members of the Erie County Bar Association rated none of the three judicial candidates as "highly recommended," and are recommending only one of the candidates as qualified for the one open seat on the nine-member local bench. Emily Mosco Merski, 42, an Erie resident and an assistant public defender for Erie County, received an overall rating of "recommended," according to the results of the Bar Association's judicial poll, known as a plebiscite. Merski is a registered Democrat running on the Democratic and Republican ballots. The other two candidates in this year's judicial race received rankings of "no rating." They are Jeremy Lightner, 39, of Erie, a chief deputy district attorney for Erie County and a registered Democrat, and Leigh Ann Orton, 53, of North East, the first assistant solicitor for Erie County and a registered Republican. Lightner and Orton have also cross-filed on the Democratic and Republican ballots. Mayoral race: Erie Democratic Party committee members endorse Devlin in mayor's race The Bar Association said the ranking of "no rating" applies when more than 50% of the membership who voted fails to rate a candidate as either "highly recommended," "recommended" or "not recommended." Overall, 200 lawyers out of 428 eligible Bar Association members voted in the poll, for a participation rate of 46.7%, the association said. The Bar Association released the poll results on April 25. They are posted on its website at The site also includes the candidates' resumes, biographical information and responses to a Bar Association questionnaire. The Bar Association conducts a plebiscite among its members whenever a seat is up for election on the Erie County Court of Common Pleas. The association "conducts judicial candidate ratings so the public will know how fellow attorneys, who work more closely with the candidates than anyone else, would rate their qualifications to be judge," the association said in a statement. The May 20 municipal primary could produce a Democratic nominee and a Republican nominee in the judicial race. Or one candidate could win both nominations, all but locking up a win in the Nov. 4 election. The winner in November will fill the seat that has been vacant since Judge Elizabeth K. Kelly retired in April 2024. Another seat will open on the bench in the 2027 election. Erie County Judge Daniel Brabender is retiring in January 2026, creating another vacancy. Judge are elected in odd-year elections in Pennsylvania. The winner of this year's race will serve a 10-year term and then be up for a retention vote for another 10-year term. Judges in Pennsylvania must retire at age 75. The annual pay for a Common Pleas Court judge as of Jan. 1 is $227,411, as set by state law. Possible changes: How Trump's new voter ID mandate could impact elections in Pennsylvania Two Erie County's judges are up for retention votes on Nov. 4. They are President Judge Joseph M. Walsh and Judge John J. Mead, both first elected in 2015. The Erie County Bar Association typically weighs in on retention votes in the fall. In this year's race, one of the three candidates received more than 50% of the Bar Association vote for either "highly recommended, "recommended" or "not recommended." The association said it also determined a "recommended" rating by joining the results of the votes for "recommended" and "highly recommended" and seeing whether the combined vote was higher than 50%. That combination led to Merski's "recommended" rating, according to the poll results. Merski received the highest percentage of votes for an overall rating of "highly recommended" — 32.5%. The figures were 27% for "recommended," 27% for "not recommended" and 13.5% for "no opinion." For Lightner, the figures were 17.5% for "highly recommended," 30.5% for "recommended," 31.5% for "not recommended" and 20.5% for "no opinion." For Orton, the figures were 11.5% for "highly recommended," 28% for "recommended," 35.5% for "not recommended" and 25% for "no opinion." The Bar Association members were also polled on whether each candidate possesses the competence, integrity, temperament and experience to be a judge. The highest possible score in each category was a 5. Merski finished first in three of the four categories and tied with Lightner in the fourth. Competence — Merski, average score of 3.5; Lightner, 3.5; Orton, 3.1. Integrity — Merski, 3.7; Lightner, 3.5; Orton, 3.4. Temperament — Merski, 3.6; Orton, 3.2; Lightner, 3. Experience — Merski, 3.5; Lightner, 3.1; Orton, 3. Merski said her "recommended" rating pleased her. She has been in practice at Vendetti & Vendetti law firm in Erie for the past 13 years and since 2012 has been a part-time assistant public defender for Erie County, specializing in appeals. "I'm honored to be the only candidate recommended by the Erie County Bar Association — a distinction awarded through a peer vote that reflects my experience, competence, integrity and judicial temperament," Merski said. "Throughout this campaign, I have maintained that I am the best candidate to be Erie County's next judge based on my diverse practice background and understanding of the needs of our community. "The support of my colleagues means the world to me because not everyone comes before the court — the Erie County Bar works with the judges on a daily basis and this recommendation from my peers reflects their confidence in me to be the person they believe is the most qualified." Lightner focused on the 20.5% of the voting Bar Association members who said they had no opinion on whether he should be a judge. Lightner has been a prosecutor in the Erie County District Attorney's Office since 2014. He has been the office's trial chief deputy district attorney since 2023, working as top aide to District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz. "I respect the 'no opinion' report from the Bar Association," Lightner said. "Most of the bar are not criminal defense attorneys who handle violent crime and gun cases. I would have to say 'no opinion' on most of the other attorneys as well — we've never shared a courtroom." Lightner referred to endorsements he has received from those who have seen him in court — retired Erie County Judges Shad Connelly and Ernest J. DiSantis Jr. as well as members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 7, for Erie police, and the FOP Lodge No. 64, for other police departments in Erie County. "I am thankful for their full endorsements," Lightner said. Orton commented on the number of Bar Association members who voted — 200 out of 428. Orton since early 2024 has been first assistant solicitor for Erie County in the administration of Erie County Executive Brenton Davis. She has been in private practice with husband, Chris, in Orton & Orton firm, North East, since 2018, and was with the Knox Law Firm in Erie from 2009-17. Of the three judicial candidates, only Orton has run for judge before. She lost the Republican nomination in the 2023 municipal primary for judge by 102 votes to Eric Mikovch, of Elk Creek Township. Mikovch lost in the municipal election to the Democratic nominee, Erie resident Peter Sala. The Bar Association gave Orton "no rating" in that primary race. "While I appreciate and respect the process, the plebiscite is a poll among the membership of the Erie County Bar Association," Orton said of the poll for this year's race. "The survey return rate among the membership was only 46.7% and the results do not appear to be statistically significant among the three judicial candidates in any particular category. "I may not have name recognition, and I may be the least known among the Bar Association membership, which I believe is reflected in the fact that 25% of the membership who responded to the poll were not able to offer an opinion of my qualifications," Orton said. "What is most important is that the voters of Erie County know I have more than 30 years of experience, primarily in family law, a skill set which is highly needed on the bench at this time. I also have expertise in civil litigation, probate and estates, municipal law and real estate. "I would like voters to know that I have the qualifications, integrity, knowledge and experience to effectively serve as a judge of the Erie County Court of Common Pleas." Ed Palattella at epalattella@ or 814-870-1813. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: 3-way Erie judge race: In poll, lawyers recommend only one candidate
