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Alcalde, others appear at Measure the Candidates Night

Little election drama as many are unopposed

By Greg Williams 6 min read

Editor's Note: This is the first of two stories focusing on the Mifflin County Farm Bureau's Measure the Candidates Night on Tuesday.

LEWISTOWN -- At times, the candidates' words seemed more suited for an acceptance speech rather than campaign stumping.

Nonetheless, the candidates in attendance took the time to introduce themselves to the 100 to 125 would-be voters in the audience.

Andrea Alcalde thanked her supporters Tuesday night for what she called the "privilege of serving the people of my community in their time of need and I've been called to investigate deaths, determine causes and to provide closures to families who've lost loved ones."

Alcalde, who has served as the acting county coroner since Daniel Lynch retired earlier this year, is running unopposed in the Nov. 7 general election. So were many of the candidates who appeared at the Mifflin County Farm Bureau's Measure the Candidates Night at Mifflin County High School Tuesday.

Born and raised in Mifflin County, Alcalde is a licensed nurse, board certified and nationally registered medicolegal death investigator.

Alcalde believes being the coroner is "not just a job for me, it's a calling," she said. "It's a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and it's one that I've found personally to be deeply fulfilling," Alcalde explained.

She has made improvements and updates in the coroner's office as well as implemented policies and procedures to "be confident that our investigations are thorough, accurate and that families are treated with compassion and dignity and empathy. I want to continue to work to improve the services and resources that we provide to grieving families and to ensure that we're always at the forefront of the latest developments of forensic science."

Not only with science, but also with grief counseling.

Alcalde said those services and resources can play a vital role in curbing suicide and drug use, which result from the emotional toll that individuals have from losing a loved one.

"I understand that death occurs at any time and without warning or notice," Alcalde said. "I know that losing a loved one is one of the most challenging times in a family's life. I understand that each situation is unique."

As the county coroner, Alcalde promised to provide a service to the residents in the county that is both "professional and compassionate," which she called the fundamental foundation of the coroner's office.

"I'm honored to have served you in this role and I am honored that you have allowed me to be your next coroner," she added.

District Attorney

Current District Attorney Christopher R. Torquato, who is also running unopposed, has served in that position since his election in 2016. Torquato also previously served as an assistant district attorney for 18 years.

Torquato has practiced law in Mifflin County since 1991.

"I have secured convictions that have resulted in life imprisonment for first-degree murder," Torquato said. "I have secured convictions that have resulted in 20- to 40-year sentences in multiple third-degree murder cases. I have secured convictions for attempted murder that have resulted in significant sentences again 20 to 40 years."

During his time in office, Torquato has successfully prosecuted cases involving homicide, attempted homicide, drug delivery resulting in death, aggravated and simple assault, child sexual assaults and child pornography as well as many other felony and misdemeanor cases.

"These are not insignificant cases, and these are not insignificant sentences," he added.

Torquato added that his office over the course of time has had cases heard by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and not had cases overturned on appeal by either the supreme or superior courts. In fact, the Mifflin County DA's office has established precedent in some cases.

His office has also made "significant accomplishments with respect to prosecuting cases in Mifflin County and doing what voters have elected me to do," he said.

Court of Common Pleas

Magisterial District Judge Jonathan Reed defeated two challengers in the May primary and is running unopposed for the court of common pleas seat, which is a 10-year term.

Reed was elected in 2015 for Magisterial District Court 58-3-02, which includes Burnham Borough, Decatur and Derry townships and the Sixth and Seventh wards in Lewistown Borough.

He has performed arraignments and issued search warrants as well as emergency protection orders.

"It has really been a true joy for me to serve as a magisterial district judge," Reed said. "It's been an honor, and I look forward to taking this step to the common pleas court. I've worked diligently to fulfill my judicial responsibilities over the past eight years, and I plan to do the same as a common pleas judge."

District Court

Current Granville Township Police Chief Craig Weston is unopposed in his quest to become a magisterial district judge, serving Magisterial District Court 58-3-01, which includes the First through Fifth wards in Lewistown Borough, Juniata Terrace Borough and Granville Township, so the upcoming election is a mere formality. The term is for six years.

A lifelong resident of Mifflin County, Weston worked for a year at the Mifflin County Correctional Facility before eventually joining the Granville Township Police Department since 1997. He served as a patrol officer until 2008 when he became the chief of police.

"If elected, it's my goal to use common sense and my life experiences to ensure all parties are heard on a fair and impartial basis and to practice fair decision-making within the parameters of the law," Weston said.

Working in law enforcement, Weston said he investigated serious crimes including homicides and sexual assaults, down to lesser traffic and ordinance violations.

He is also involved with Cops 4 Kids as well as serving on the Mifflin County DUI Task Force, Mifflin County Criminal Justice Advisory Board and Juniata Valley Tri-County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission.

As a district judge, Weston expects to hear the following types of cases: misdemeanor and felony; summary traffic and non-traffic; and landlord or tenant and civil. He also could perform arraignments, including arraignments and issue search warrants or emergency protection orders.

He has also successfully completed the required training to become a magisterial district judge, so he can start his term once elected.

Weston succeeds Magisterial District Judge Jack E. Miller, who announced his retirement.

Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts

Current Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts Tammy Stuck has served in that position for the last 12 years and worked in the office for 27 years overall.

Stuck is also running unopposed, which means she will be elected for another term. She thanked those who have supported her over the years, including family, friends, colleagues and the voters of Mifflin County.

"I have and will continue to uphold the office with fidelity," Stuck said. "It is an honor that you have trusted me to serve another four years."

Auditor

Democrat Kendra Dunmire is running against Republican incumbents Barbara E. Clemmons and Helen E. Kirk. With three positions available in the county, all three candidates are expected to be voted into office. Current auditor Nancy Laub has announced her retirement. None of the candidates for auditor attended the event.

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