Incumbent DA wins re-election
Gene Vittone celebrates with The Rev. Dr. Roger Raymond Fischer, left, and wife Kitty Fischer, right, at the Holiday Inn Express in Bentleyville after his win.
Pete Marcoline III checks election results on his iPad at Toscana Brick Oven in Southpointe II. Marcoline lost the district attorney race to incumbent Gene Vittone.
Incumbent Washington County District Attorney Gene Vittone was re-elected to a second term by an overwhelming majority in Tuesday’s election.
Vittone is the first Republican to secure two consecutive victories since the New Deal after receiving 61 percent of the unofficial vote, with 92 percent of the votes counted. His opponent, Democrat Peter Marcoline III, received 39 percent of the votes.
When contacted late Tuesday, Vittone said he was thankful for the voters’ support in his abilities and the abilities of his office.
“The voters know my record,” he said. “They know we are working hard to solve the problems in our county, and I am committed to that work.”
Vittone was first elected four years ago after eking out a razor-thin victory against Democrat David DiCarlo. He has spent the last four years combating the county’s growing drug problem, and plans to continue the fight against heroin through treatment, prevention, education and stricter penalties for dealing drugs.
In other contested races, Washington County Assistant Deputy Prothonotary Joy Schury Ranko, a Democrat, secured her first term as prothonotary with 57.7 percent of the unofficial vote. She boasts 13 years of experience and looks to facilitate the office to a more automated system. Phyllis Ranko Matheny, the current prothonotary, is retiring at the end of the year. Ranko’s opponent, Republican David D. Tennent III, received 42.2 percent of votes.
Incumbent Washington County Treasurer Francis King also won his bid for re-election. This was the first time in 12 years that King, a Democrat, had opposition. He received 58.8 percent of the unofficial vote. This will be his fifth, four-year term. Republican newcomer David Borodaty received 41.2 percent of the votes.
Washington County judges Katherine Emery and John F. DiSalle were both retained in Tuesday’s election after each received more than 70 percent of the unofficial vote. Emery was elected 20 years ago and has handled criminal, civil, juvenile, orphans and family court. This is her second retention election. She took over as president judge this year after former President Judge Debbie O’Dell Seneca retired from the bench amid allegations of improprieties. DiSalle was first elected in 2005. This was his first retention election and he has most recently handled criminal court and the county’s drug and veterans court.
When reached by phone Tuesday night, Marcoline said he is looking forward to life returning to normal. Marcoline is a criminal defense attorney with Blackwell and Associates. This was Marcoline’s first run for district attorney. In 2013, he made an unsuccessful bid for Washington County judge.
During his campaign, Marcoline applied for a $935,000 Washington County Local Share Account grant for a comprehensive illegal drug reduction initiative.
That money will go to the district’s attorney’s office to utilize resources to battle the county’s drug problem if granted.
Marcoline said he attempted to congratulate Vittone over the phone, but was unable to reach him. Vittone wished his opponent luck in future endeavors.
Tensions rose in recent weeks after a February opinion by DiSalle came to light. In his opinion, DiSalle accused Marcoline of perjuring himself during a hearing on a case involving Cameron Reihner, a defendant he represented. Marcoline has vehemently denied the allegation.
Vittone commented on the nature of the election, calling it “nasty.”
“I’m happy that the voters were able to see past that,” he said.