Westmoreland board certifies county election results; Kopas shut-out official
The Westmoreland County Board of Elections on Wednesday certified results of Nov. 5 state, county and school races, with no change in winners from initial, unofficial returns.
In the county commissioners’ race, each of the four candidates was credited with some additional votes, but incumbent Democrat Ted Kopas remained shut out for another term on the three-member board.
Wednesday was the final day for Kopas to request a recount of the close loss, decided by just 235 votes. As of 3:40 p.m. Wednesday, no such request had been filed in the county prothonotary’s office.
Sean Kertes was the top vote-getter for commissioner, with 41,380 official votes, followed by fellow Republican Douglas W. Chew, with 40,238 votes. Incumbent Democrat Gina Cerilli received 35,228 officials votes; Kopas trailed with 34,993 votes.
In Burrell School District, write-in candidate Tricia Shank won both a four-year, at-large term and a four-year term in Region II.
Tim Mortimore was elected to a two-year term on the Jeannette school board, receiving 94 write-in votes.
Write-in candidate Doreen Smith was elected to both a two-year and a four-year term on the Monessen school board.
The election board pre-certified vote totals in municipal races, with final certification slated at a special meeting at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 4.
There was a legal question regarding one of two write-in candidates for four-year terms on Arona council. Solicitor Melissa Guiddy declined comment, noting the matter is under investigation.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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