O'Barto makes second run for Westmoreland prothonotary office

Republican Gina O’Barto announced this week her candidacy for what is expected to be an open seat as prothonotary in Westmoreland County.

O’Barto, 57, of Unity finished second in the 2017 Republican primary for the office that has for the last 11 years been held by Christina O’Brien, a Democrat. O’Brien is not expected to run for a fourth four-year term in 2021 to manage the office that oversees all civil and family court filings.

“As a fiscally conservative Republican, I believe we can make improvements that will save taxpayers money and improve accessibility.” O’Barto said. “Incorporating more technology into the office would help to allow Westmoreland residents 24-hour access to their government without ever having to drive to the courthouse.”

For most of the last year, the prothonotary’s office has worked to install an electronic filing system that will allow lawyers to submit court documents over the internet. Officials said that program could be completed and in operation before the end of the year.

O’Barto works as an accounts payable clerk in the county controller’s office. She previously served as an executive assistant at Redstone Highlands and worked as a purchasing manager at Columbia Northwest. She is a graduate of Business Careers Institute and is a member of the Sons of Italy, a board member of the Arts and Heritage Festival, the National Rifle Association and Fire Owners Against Crime. O’Barto also serves as a District 12 Republican Committee member.

Her husband, Mike O’Barto, serves as a Unity Township supervisor.

“I’ll be an active officeholder and I will strive to offer the best possible customer service while maintaining the privacy and security that the public expects with such confidential records.” O’Barto said.