CLARION, Pa. (EYT) – Clarion County political parties were busy in recent weeks holding annual spring events to spotlight candidates for the May 19 Primary Election.

Only registered voters in a political party are allowed to vote in that particular party.

All registered voters are encouraged to vote in the November general elections.

Republican Spring Breakfast

The Clarion County Republican Committee held its Spring Breakfast on Friday, May 1, at the Park Inn by Radison and spotlighted local candidates in the May 19 Republican primary election.

(Photo above: Attending were State Senator Scott Hutchinson, Vice Chair Ron “Stretch” Switzer, State Representative Donna Oberlander, and Chair Rick Rathfon.)

Clarion County Republican Committee Chair Rick Rathfon welcomed the audience and allowed candidates for both the Clarion County Treasurer and Clarion County Commissioner.

Steve Allison and Tom McConnell talked briefly on their qualifications for County Treasurer.

Commissioner candidates also included Wayne Brosius, of Strattanville; Ted Tharan, of Knox; Edith (Edie) Quinn, of Corsica; Bob Gourley, of New Bethlehem; Kelly Rea Stroup, of Clarion; Angi Keller, of New Bethlehem; and Dave Hrisak, of Clarion.

Brandon Kiser, a state GOP representative, also spoke about the importance of the State Supreme Court, State Judiciary Court, and the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court.

 Clarion County Democratic Spring Banquet

(Photo: Allegheny County Judge Robert Colville – a candidate for State Superior Court and currently a judge in Allegheny – greets audience members.)

The Clarion County Democratic Committee’s Annual Democratic Spring Banquet was held on Thursday, April 23, at the Clarion American Legion and welcomed both county candidates and some state judicial candidates to speak.

Following an introduction by Chairman Bill Miller and Samantha Sears singing the National Anthem, Kerith Strano Taylor outlined the importance of the elections of candidates for State Supreme Court, State Superior Court, and Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court.

Judge Robert Colville, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, attended the banquet and spoke about his candidacy.  Many other judicial candidates also sent representative to speak in behalf of their campaigns.

Nick Rhoades and Brady Billin of the Clarion Young Democrats presented the annual John Shropshire Public Service Award to Pittsburgh Council member Natalia Rudiak.

Democratic candidates for Clarion County Commissioner, Greg Faller, of Fryburg, and Ed Heasley, outlined their qualifications for the post.

Clarion County Treasurer candidates Rose Logue of Clarion and Kasey Martin also spoke.  Walt Karg, of Leeper, was unable to attend.

Clarion Young Democrats with Shropshire Award Winner

Brandon Kiser, a state GOP representative