Jan 29, 2019 2 min read

A second Republican is seeking a nomination in Washington County’s May 21 primary for register of wills.

James Roman, 47, a real estate agent who lives in Peters Township, advocated for term limits and promised not to exceed two, four-year terms if elected to the row office that handles both wills and Orphan’s Court. The office also issues marriage licenses.

“The first college course I ever took was Wills, Estates and Trusts at Westmoreland County Community College,” Roman said in a news release.

“I have worked with the Fayette County register of wills office on veterans’ records. It is time to put my passion for the register of wills office to use for the betterment of Washington County.”

He called the technology of the register’s office “outdated” and called for payment methods to be made easier, more affordable and to give discounts to veterans.

Roman has a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from the University of Pittsburgh and he worked as a paralegal for seven years. He holds a master’s degree from Duquesne University, an MBA from Point Park University and has completed classes for a doctorate degree at Pitt.

Roman noted that the family in which he grew up was on welfare and living in public housing. This past Christmas, he organized a Toys for Tots campaign that filled a rental truck with gifts for Washington County youngsters.

He is the father of three school-aged children.

Jerad Cypher, Republican, and Suzanne Archer, Democrat, announced their candidacies for the row office earlier this month.

The salary of the register of wills, who is also clerk of Orphan’s Court, is $89,815.