Races in Greene could be competitive
WAYNESBURG – Races for Greene County coroner and sheriff could appear on the ballot for the fall election as both longtime Coroner Gregory Rohanna and first-term Sheriff Brian Tennant, both Democrats, likely will face Republican challengers.
The potential contests were revealed Tuesday, the last day for candidates to file nomination petitions for the coming May 16 primary election.
Rohanna of Jefferson, a funeral director who has served as coroner for the last 23 years, filed petitions seeking the Democratic nomination for a new term.
He would be challenged in the general election by Gene Rush of Rogersville, a retired funeral director, who is seeking the Republican nomination.
Tennant of Waynesburg, a former police officer, filed petitions for the Democratic nomination for his second term as sheriff.
He is being challenged by Ed DeBolt of Crucible, who filed for the Republican nomination. DeBolt listed his occupation on nomination petitions as business owner.
A race also will appear in the primary, and possibly the general election, for magisterial district judge in District No. 1 based in Waynesburg.
Three candidates cross-filed for Republican and Democratic nominations for the position, which is now held by Senior District Judge Jesse Cramer. Cramer was appointed in December 2015 to complete the term of Lou Dayich after Dayich was elected Greene County Common Pleas Court judge.
The three candidates are Owen Coffman of Center Township, who lists his occupation in the field of coal mine health and safety and as a police officer; Jody Pierce Craig of Waynesburg, who lists her occupation as travel agent; and David Balint of Waynesburg, a certified public accountant who is currently the Greene County controller.
The magisterial district covers Aleppo, Center, Freeport, Gilmore, Gray, Jackson, Morris, Perry, Richhill, Springhill, Washington, Wayne and Whiteley townships and Waynesburg Borough.
In Magisterial District No. 2, incumbent D. Glenn Bates filed nomination petitions on both the Republican and Democratic nominations and is unopposed. Bates’ district includes Clarksville and Jefferson boroughs and Franklin, Jefferson and Morgan townships.
Candidates for municipal offices, school board and election boards also filed nomination petitions Tuesday.