Letter to the editor: Playing politics with Register of Wills

Shame on you, Kim Ward, for letting Republican politics take precedence, as usual, over the interests of the residents of Westmoreland County. It appears you were instrumental in advancing the name of political operative Jon Wian to be the county’s new register of wills (“Governor nominates Wian, Schimizzi to fill Westmoreland County Courthouse vacancies,” Jan. 27, TribLive).

As we all have read in the Tribune-Review, and as many in the courthouse already knew, excepting maybe local Republican leadership who willfully turned a blind eye, the register of wills has been a nonfunctioning shambles for several years. Then, in an incredible turn of events, our local courts were forced to intervene, stripping Republican Sherry Magretti Hamilton of her duties and appointing a conservator, who in turn appointed as acting register a retired but very experienced employee, Katie Pecarchik. Pecarchik then accomplished, in record time, the incredible feat of righting the ship, so the office now operates to the very high standard we once enjoyed prior to Hamilton’s tenure.

Common sense, let alone an obligation to the best interests of Westmoreland County, should have dictated the permanent appointment of Pecarchik. But, once again, the Republican Party showed its true colors by supporting Wian, a politician whose only apparent asset seems to me to be loyalty to Republican Westmoreland County Commissioner Sean Kertes.

To Katie Pecarchik — on behalf of all county residents — thank you for a job exceedingly well done and my apologies for the Republican Party’s total lack of interest in supporting the efficient, well-run office you were instrumental in resurrecting.

Nancy L. Harris

Greensburg