LEWISTOWN - Carla E. Byler has announced her intention to run a write-in campaign for the Magisterial District Judge in District 58-3-03, which includes the townships of Armagh, Brown, Menno and Union in Mifflin County.
Byler narrowly lost in the May primary to incumbent Magisterial District Judge Tammy Hunter, who has served the district for six years.
Hunter secured both the Democratic and Republican nominations. Both women cross-filed petitions and appeared on both major party ballots.
According to the official results from the May primary, Hunter received 905 votes for the Republican nomination and 351 votes for the Democratic nomination, while Byler received 869 votes on the GOP ballot and 318 votes on the Democratic side.
After some reflection on her close loss during the primary, Byler said she came to the conclusion that she has a lot of support from people who she thinks will again rally around her for the November election.
Byler acknowledges that a write-in campaign can be difficult; however, she is confident that people will come out to support her on Election Day.
"Obviously people think I can do the job," Byler said of the close results in May.
Byler wants people to understand that if they wish to vote for her, they will have to darken the oval next to the write-in line on the ballot and write her name as well.
Byler said she has continued to maintain her certification from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court by attending update classes to make sure she remains up-to-date with legal issues a magisterial district judge encounters.
"I will perform my duties in a fair and impartial manner, while at the same time remain firm, holding people accountable for their actions," Byler said of her intentions if she is elected. "Most of all, I want people to know that I will be there to work for them and will do my job to the best of my ability."
Byler was born in Mifflin County and resides in Reedsville with her husband, Brad, and their daughter, Marissa. She is employed by Greater Vision Eye Associates, Doctors Hutton & Beamer in Lewistown. She is a graduate of Belleville Mennonite School and attends Big Valley Bible Church. Byler served on the Mifflin County Republican Committee, but resigned before campaigning for the May primary. Byler successfully completed the magisterial district judge course and was certified by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in June 2008.
Campaign contributions will not be accepted; Byler has decided she will support her own expenses in order to avoid any conflicts of interest.
