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Upper St. Clair Republican Committee

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Upper St. Clair Republican Committee

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Download our Quick Voting Guide

2023 Upper St Clair GOP Voter Guide

Local Election Info →

About this guide:

This guide includes endorsement information, links to candidates, biographies and recommendations from different Republican organizations.  The order of this guide is the same as the Republican primary ballot: state, county, and local position.

Source information has been included with links to websites and social media.

Supreme Court

Carolyn Carluccio

Judge Carolyn Carluccio is the incumbent Common Pleas Judge from Montgomery County who will bring unmatched experience, proven temperament, and unquestionable impartiality to Pennsylvania’s highest court.


Judge Carluccio was elected to the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court in November of 2009, where she served with distinction on the family, criminal, and civil court benches. Last year, she was unanimously chosen by her peers to serve as the Court’s first female President Judge in the county’s history. Judge Carluccio earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Dickinson College and her Juris Doctor Degree from Delaware Law School.


Endorsed by PA GOP


Content Source: https://pagop.org/home/about/candidates/

Website  Facebook

JUDGE OF SUPERIOR COURT

Maria Battista

Harry F. Smail, Jr.

Harry F. Smail, Jr.

Maria Battista has more than 15 years of legal experience in civil, criminal, and administrative law and is a former Assistant District Attorney. She is also a skilled mediator and public speaker.

As a Commonwealth attorney, Battista was counsel in the Departments of Health and State. For three years, Battista was a hearing examiner where she presided over hundreds of cases, including for the Department of Corrections and Probation and Parole. 


Those who know her best have found her to have a strong legal mind, while still showing compassion. Battista has been a presenter for continuing legal education courses in mediation, oral arguments before appellate courts, and health care matters. She plans to use her diverse legal and educational background to establish an office that is efficient, accountable, and transparent.


Endorsed by PA GOP


Content Source: https://pagop.org/home/about/candidates/

Website  Facebook

Harry F. Smail, Jr.

Harry F. Smail, Jr.

Harry F. Smail, Jr.

Judge Harry Smail Jr. has been a Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas judge for more than eight years. Judge Smail was appointed to the court by former Governor Tom Corbett in 2014 and was unanimously confirmed by the State Senate.


Smail’s rulings have shaped the application of the law regarding land use and energy development, the Second Amendment, election law, and other areas. Judge Smail has also served as the Elections Judge in Westmoreland County, overseeing recounts and petition challenges, among other issues. In 2020, He presided over critical election law cases that upheld essential anti-fraud requirements for casting a mail-in ballot. Judge Smail is a graduate of Grove City College and Duquesne University School of Law.


Endorsed by PA GOP


Content Source: https://pagop.org/home/about/candidates/

Website  Facebook

JUDGE OF THE COMMONWEALTH COURT

Megan Martin

Megan Martin will bring a deep respect for our republic, an understanding of the separation of powers, and a reverence for the rule of law to our Commonwealth Court.


Martin has the unique distinction of having served in all three branches of our state government and as an attorney for the United States Navy. Martin made history when she became the first woman to serve as the Pennsylvania Senate’s Secretary-Parliamentarian. There, she managed the legislative process with diligence and care for more than a decade, ensuring that the constitution, laws, and rules of the Senate were followed throughout the legislative process. Martin will be a fair and impartial jurist who will stand up for constitutional rights, will not legislate from the bench, but instead apply the law as it was written by the General Assembly.


Endorsed by PA GOP


Content Source: https://pagop.org/home/about/candidates/

Website  Facebook

JUDGE OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

Anthony DeLuca

Anthony worked next as an Assistant District Attorney in the Allegheny County District Attorney’s office.  There, he prosecuted violent crimes in various divisions of the office. He concluded his time in the District Attorney’s office in the Robbery/Complex Theft Unit also handling homicide cases. He is also very proud of helping the develop Allegheny County Mental Health Court while in that office. 

After graduating from Hempfield High School in Greensburg, PA, Anthony received his undergraduate degree at Boston College. He then attended law school at the University of Pittsburgh from which he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1997.


Content source: https://deluca4judge.com/

Website  Facebook

County Chief Executive

Joseph E Rockey

Joe Rockey is the retired chief risk officer at PNC Financial Services, one of the region’s major employers. He is also a key player in the county’s volunteer sector. Rockey is a results-oriented, independent thinker, in search of practical solutions instead of political talk.


He helped to create a residence for the city’s homeless, serves on the boards of St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality and the Little Sisters of the Poor home on the North Side. He was president of Ronald McDonald House at Children’s Hospital, is a past board member at Oakland Catholic High School, and still holds board positions at Catholic Charities, Saint Joseph’s House of Hospitality and his alma mater, Duquesne University.


Content source: https://voterockey.com/


Website  Facebook


County Treasurer

Herb Ohliger

Mr. Ohliger is a life long resident of Allegheny County lives in Scott Township with his wife Danielle, son and daughter. Mr. Ohliger currently owns an information system consulting business that develops software and hardware for both the government and private sector. His clients range from large and small companies in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio. Mr. Ohliger is currently working with the Department of Defense in testing, evaluation, selection and deployment of biometric products for physical security, logical access security, identification and force protection. Mr. Ohliger also has a patent on a law enforcement software package and supported the DoD in Iraq during 2005. After returning from Iraq, Mr. Ohliger ran for Sheriff of Allegheny County.


He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with degrees in Psychology and Information Science. Mr. Ohliger has been involved in the local community as a member of the Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, President of the Chartiers Valley High School Alumni Association, Scott Conservancy Board Member, Friends of the Scott Township Library, Scott Township Historical Society, Carnegie Historical Society, Chartiers Valley Soccer Association Sponsor and coach, Scott Township Athletic Association Sponsor coach and President of the Association.


Content source: https://foac-pac.org/Board-Of-Directors


District Attorney

Steve Zappala

As District Attorney, I am the Chief Law Enforcement Officer for the county and am responsible for seeking justice on a daily basis for the citizens of this county. In addition, I am also charged with protecting the rights of our society and the individuals who make up that society. To that end, I am extremely proud of the staff of attorneys and support personnel who have been brought together to carry out what is oftentimes a broad and complex mission. With your support and vote I hope to continue this mission.


Steve Zappala is a registered Democrat.


Content source: https://www.stevezappala.com/


Website

County Controller

Bob Howard

Bob Howard is a retired business executive with financial, managerial, and marketing experience. While home is the Pittsburgh area, Bob during his professional career lived in Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, and in France for three years where he served as the European Treasurer, for a Pittsburgh based global company.  Bob complemented his business experience with service as a US Army Reserve Officer. He was elected to and served on one of the largest suburban school districts in Pennsylvania. His service included two years as School Board President. He served on the board of directors of a community based athletic association, coached junior Olympic softball, and was a small business counselor with SCORE the retired business executive volunteer component of the Small Business Administration. Bob was the 2011 Republican nominee, endorsed by both the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, for Allegheny County Controller. He continues to be involved in the political and civic affairs of our community, state, and nation. 

County Council At-Large

Sam DeMarco

Councilman Sam DeMarco was first elected in November of 2015. He is a North Fayette Township resident and the Chairman of the Republican Caucus of Allegheny County Council, serving in that role since January 2018. He is the Chairman of the Appointment Review Committee and sits on the Executive, Budget & Finance, Economic Development & Housing, Public Works and Public Safety committees as well.


The Councilman is also very involved in our non-profit community and currently sits on the Board of Trustees for the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, the Board of Trustees for Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum Trust, and the Board of Visit Pittsburgh, the official tourism promotion agency for Allegheny County. He is also an Honorary Board Member of the Tuskegee Airman Memorial of Western Pennsylvania Region, and a member of Amen Corner.


In addition, Councilman DeMarco serves as the Chairman of the Republican Committee of Allegheny County and as the Chairman of the PA Republican State Committee’s Southwest Caucus. 


Content source: https://apps.alleghenycounty.us/website/councilatlg.asp?no=2

County Council by District - District 5

Mike Embrescia

Mike Embrescia, 44, is a senior executive with one of the premier robotics companies in the U.S. and one of the first robotics companies founded in Pittsburgh, PA. Mike lives in Mt. Lebanon with his wife of 17 years and their two young daughters. He is very active in the community and serves on the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Circles Board, Pittsburgh Robotics Network, and is a long-time member of the Pennsylvania Society, Phipps Conservatory, Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation and many others.


Mike Embrescia wishes to serve as the Allegheny County Councilperson for District 5 (Dormont, Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair & Bethel Park). He wants to ensure that the Citizens of D5 are strongly represented at the County-level. He will offer his strengths in business and operations when making important County decisions – and moreover, he wants to help restore a level of decorum to Council and our local politics.


Website   Facebook   Twitter

Upper St. Clair School Director (vote 5)

Barbara L. Bolas

Hallie Snyder M.Ed.

Kelly Parker Hanna

Current USC School Board Director

  • Served as president of the Upper St. Clair School Board multiple times. Demonstrated leadership in school board governance and fiduciary duty at the local, state, and national level for over three decades.
  • Board oversight of over $7 Billion Fund of taxpayer dollars from governmental agencies and school districts.
  • Certification of Completion Active Bystander Train-the-Trainer Course (2022) by Emergency Services Group International and Stop the Bleed. Attended workshops and presentations on School Safety at the local, state, and national level.
  • 47-year resident of Upper St. Clair. Barbara and her husband Jim are parents of two Upper St. Clair graduates, Jennie and Jonathan and grandparents to Chani age 13, Oliver 10, and Soren five.


Endorsed by the Upper St. Clair Republican Committee

Kelly Parker Hanna

Hallie Snyder M.Ed.

Kelly Parker Hanna

  • Current USC School Board Director
  • Public Relations Officer - Champion of spreading the good news about school districts through marketing and public relations
  • Led the Odyssey of the Mind program in Upper St. Clair for three years 
  • Past President of Women In Sports and Events and the South West Community Chamber of Commerce
  • Small business owner of a boutique marketing firm since 2011
  • A 29-year resident of Upper St. Clair
  • Mother of two successful graduates of Upper St. Clair High School


Endorsed by the Upper St. Clair Republican Committee

Hallie Snyder M.Ed.

Hallie Snyder M.Ed.

Hallie Snyder M.Ed.

  • Current USC School Board Director
  • 4th generation resident of Upper St. Clair (1992 USCHS alumnus)
  • Dedicated child advocate and passionate about our USC community. (USCPTC Wellness Committee, NAMI, USCGS Boosters, Project Invent, Play It Forward, & Vic Fin Cares)
  • Retired Special Education teacher with a Master of Education specializing in Intensive Special Needs with a focus on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders. 
  • Current business owner.
  • Married to my husband Nathan for 25 years. Mom to Mia (22), Elle (20), Anna (17), and Josh (13).


Endorsed by the Upper St. Clair Republican Committee

Justin Lamber

Hallie Snyder M.Ed.

  • Proud to be an 8-year resident of Upper St. Clair. 
  • Moved to the community because of the School District; Husband to Anna and has an 11-year-old daughter who currently attends Boyce Middle School.
  • Manager, Key Bank, Peters Township Branch. Graduate of The University of Richmond; drafted to play baseball for the Kansas City Royals Professional Baseball Organization. Professional staff experience with the Hackensack New Jersey School System.
  • Extensive volunteer experience with Casey’s Clubhouse and the Miracle League of the South Hills. Coaching experience as youth baseball and basketball coach in Upper St. Clair.


Endorsed by the Upper St. Clair Republican Committee

Angela B. Petersen

  • Long-time member of the Upper St. Clair School Board.
  • President of the Parkway West Career and Technical Center Joint Operating Committee. Proven record of community service.
  • Attorney, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, specializing in ERISA law and employee benefits.
  • President of Benefit Fund Service Company and Administrator of two Taft-Hartley Multiemployer Funds.
  • Lifetime resident and graduate of Upper St. Clair. Three grown children, all Upper St. Clair alumni. Angela “loves life in Upper St. Clair!”


Endorsed by the Upper St. Clair Republican Committee

VISIT: ResultsStillMatterUSC

Website: https://www.resultsstillmatterusc.com/


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ResultsStillMatterUSC


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Results_Still_Matter_USC/


Twitter: 

https://twitter.com/USCCandidates


Commissioner At-Large

Richard I. Thomas

  • Current USC Commissioner At-Large
  • USC resident since 1972 - seven children
  • Lawyer for 51 years
  • First resident to be honored "USC Citizen of the Year" (2017)
  • Extensive experience in management and fiscal controls as Managing Partner at large national law firm
  • Board Member-USC Veterans Park
  • Former USC Volunteer firefighter
  • Professionally recognized: "SuperLawyer", "Top Rated Employment & Labor Attorney in Pittsburgh", "Labor Relations Expert"


Endorsed by the Upper St. Clair Republican Committee

Commissioner - Ward 1

Dante Plutko

  • Township Commissioner Ward 1, currently serving as Vice President
  • Chair of the Public Works committee
  • Member of the Public Safety, Community Development and Parks and recreation committees
  • Serving as board member for the South Hills Area Council of Governments
  • Served as School Board Director for Upper St Clair
  • Served as Director of Development for local hospital and has worked in financial corporate services for a large institutional provider as financial analyst
  • Skilled in negotiation and comfortable with the role of leader, he has consulted on large insurance deals for both union and non-union companies
  • Married to a lifelong resident of USC and is a 16-year resident
  • Proud father of two sons that are middle and high school age


Endorsed by the Upper St. Clair Republican Committee

COMMISSIONER - WARD 3

Jason Graves

  • US Army Veteran, M1A1 Abrams Tank Crewman, active duty stations, Fort Knox Kentucky and Fort Stewart, Georgia. 
  • US Army Reserves, Military Police, Reserve Base, Chambersburg PA.
  • Bachelor of Science Degree from The Pennsylvania State University, Major in Business.
  • Currently serving as Vice Chair on the Upper St. Clair Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
  • Husband to Bridget Graves, Father to Bracken, Liam and Brielle Graves


Endorsed by the Upper St. Clair Republican Committee

COMMISSIONER - WARD 5

Ron "Chief" Pardini

  • Police Officer in USC for 45 years, 12 years as Chief of Police
  • Graduate of the FBI Nataional  Academy Secret Service Dignitary Protection School
  • Law Enfercement Executive Development, FBI National Acaemy
  • 25-year local small business owner
  • Master's Degree in Regional Planning from California University of Pennsylvania
  • Twelve time -7th Degree National Black Belt Champion 


Endorsed by the Upper St. Clair Republican Committee

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*Upper St. Clair Republican Committee meets the third Wednesday of the month at 1770 McLaughlin Run Rd, 7:00pm.

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