Incumbent commissioners win parties' nominations

Richard Rapone had the lead for county treasurer at press time.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Lawrence County voters will have a few familiar faces and two newcomers to consider when they elect county commissioners this fall.
Incumbent commissioners Steve Craig and Dan Vogler each garnered nominations from their parties in Tuesday's election.
Craig, a Democrat, came in second for the Democratic nomination after Rick DeBlasio, a former New Castle city councilman. DeBlasio led voting throughout the night and by 11 p.m. had the lead with 26 percent of the vote.
"We tried to meet as many people as we could. We talked about economic development and sound fiscal management," DeBlasio said.
Vogler, a Republican, had 46.18 percent of the vote. Shirley Sallman edged out Dave Cochenour 24.72 percent to 24.36 percent.
Three-term commissioner Ed Fosnaught finished fifth in the six-man race for the Democratic nomination. In Fosnaught's first two terms he was a Republican, but recently changed his registration to Democrat.
"I've had 12 good years. The people of Lawrence County have been good to me and I'm grateful," said Fosnaught.
The top four vote-getters will face one another in November, and three of them will gain commission seats.
Rapone in the lead
In another hotly contested countywide race, Richard Rapone of New Castle was the apparent winner of the Democratic party's nomination for Lawrence County treasurer. He was in a field of four candidates vying for the party's nod.
This fall he will go up against Republican William Messner of Neshannock Township, who was unopposed in the primary.
The office attracted probably the largest number of candidates in recent history after incumbent Treasurer Gary Felasco was convicted of theft from office and sent to prison for one to seven years.
Rapone started campaigning three years ago shortly after allegations surfaced against Felasco. He feels that three-year period has given him an edge against the other candidates.
"I think what I have to bring -- I started three years ago -- is relatability," Rapone said. "I want to be a hands-on, relatable treasurer."
Messner said he intends to ramp up his campaign in the next three or four weeks to educate the voters about his background.
"I hope I can differentiate myself so the voters have a clear choice," he said Tuesday.
cioffi@vindy.com