OUR CANDIDATES
Fall 2025 Candidates
Use the buttons below to find information regarding all of our candidates for the 2025 fall general election.
Statewide Judges: All Union County Voters
- Vote “Yes” to retain Supreme Court Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht
- Vote “Yes” to retain Superior Court Judge Alice Dubow
- Vote “Yes” to retain Commonwealth Court Judge Michael Wojcik
- Elect Brandon Neuman for Superior Court
- Elect Stella Tsai for Commonwealth Court
Brandon Neuman for Superior Court
Washington County
Education: University of Richmond – BA in Criminal Justice. Duquesne University Kline School of Law – Juris Doctorate
Occupation: Judge of the Court of Common Pleas
Qualifications: 8th year as a Judge- Presiding over Family, Civil, Criminal and Veterans Court – Sheriff & Deputy Sheriff Education and Training Board. PA House of Representatives. Served on House Judiciary Committee, Commission on Crime Delinquency, and PA Commission on Sentencing – Former Trial Lawyer
I am running to bring my extensive and diverse experience to the Superior Court. The PA Bar Association stated, “The Candidate’s opinions demonstrate knowledge of substantive and procedural legal issues and the ability to provide good factual backgrounds and well-developed legal arguments.” I have a proven record of being fair and impartial. As a judge, I have the experience to properly rule on any case presented to the PA Superior Court. As a legislator, I wrote laws to protect victims of sexual assault. Pennsylvanians deserve a judge who has broad experience. As a Judge, I have presided over Veterans Court, Family, and Criminal matters, Dependency cases, and Civil cases. My experiences allow me to be the best candidate for the PA Superior Court.
Part of the reason I was Highly Recommended by the PA Bar Association was that my colleagues indicated I have a high level of integrity, treat all individuals fairly, and is patient with all persons who appear before me. I will not have any preconceived opinions prior to having heard all of the information. I have a proven record as a judge of patiently listening to each party and applying the law equally and appropriately. I understand that parties deserve and expect an impartial ruling that follows the law. Once a case is properly presented to the PA Superior Court, each party is entitled to be heard as the law allows. I am the best candidate for the PA Superior Court based on my unique experiences and proven record as a judge. I would analyze cases in the same way. I would first read all documents provided to the court. Then I would research any legal issues that are presented. Next, I would determine if any distinguishable facts about this case would set it apart from any previous ruling made by a PA Appellate Court or The PA Supreme Court. I would also research to determine if there was any change in law since previous rulings addressed a similar legal issue. If there are no distinguishable facts or change in law, then legal precedent would be given great deference. If there was a change in law or the facts of the case are distinguishable, then a full legal analysis pertaining to the legal issue must be explored.
Website: judgeneuman.com
Stella Tsai for Commonwealth Court
Philadelphia County
Education: B.A. – Pennsylvania State University J.D. – University of Pennsylvania
Occupation: Judge, Court of Common Pleas
Qualifications: My 35 plus years of experience in law and the judiciary have equipped me with the skills and insights necessary to address the complex social, economic, and governmental
issues facing our Commonwealth. It has been my great honor to serve as judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the last eight years. I decided to run for the vacant seat on the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania because the judges on this Court weigh in on many of the important issues of our day that will affect citizens across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, such as public education, the environment, voting rights, workers’ rights, and the right to free and fair elections. The Commonwealth Court is often the last resort for these litigants because the Supreme Court only hears a select number of cases. I understand the responsibilities which come with serving as a judge and have an established record which demonstrates my commitment to ethics, integrity, and fairness. My job requires me to act impartially and to treat all parties with respect. I want all parties to feel that they are on a level playing field. I do my best to put the parties at ease and allow them to have a free and fair opportunity to present their case, including language access, and that parties receive what they recognize to be due process under the law.
If I were to consider a case that might affect long-standing precedent, I would apply the guidelines articulated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which recognized that a decision to
overrule a past decision requires special consideration and depends on a number of factors, including: the age and lineage of the decision, the quality of reasoning, the workability of the rule it established, and its consistency with other related decisions reliance on the decision.’”See Allegheny Reproductive Health Center v. PA Department of Human Services, 309 A.3d 808 (Pa. 2024). Stare decisis is “afforded ‘special force in the area of statutory interpretation” In contest to constitutional law” and “does not demand unseeing allegiance to things. Id.
Website: stellaforjudge.com
Lewisburg Area School District Directors
John "Jove" Graham
Education: Penncrest High School; B.A. Theatre and B.S. Engineering, Swarthmore College; M.S. Mechanical Engineering and Ph.D. Bioengineering, University of California
Occupation: Biomedical Engineer, Medical Researcher
Qualifications: Current LASD School Board member (appointed 2024); Parent of 2 LASD students; CSIU Board Member, 2024-present; Board President, RiverStage Community Theatre (2017-present); Parent volunteer, LAHS Musical; East Buffalo Judge of Elections (2016-20)
I am running because I am thankful for my own Pennsylvania public school education and grateful to the teachers, administrators and staff that make Lewisburg a great place for my kids to learn. I would enjoy doing my part to work hard and continue to serve the district. I believe my professional background in engineering–and helping medical professionals make decisions–translates well to a school board making decisions based on financial info, test scores, and other measures. I’ve served on the board of our local nonprofit community theatre for over 10 years, balancing a tight budget while supporting the arts in our community, and I will similarly always take the financial aspect of the job seriously while supporting students, teachers, and staff. My experience on the board thus far has been very pleasant, with everyone having basically the same main goal—to give students a great education and experience. To do that, we have to save the district and taxpayers money everywhere we can, and we have to ensure administrators have what they need to support the teachers and staff. Those two things must be balanced, but they’re not polar opposites. Although we may never have enough money to do everything, we work collectively and with the superintendent to understand where the greatest needs are and prioritize. If there’s a disagreement about some particular course of action, I find we can usually take a step back and agree on the underlying common goals before reaching a compromise.
Michael James
Education: A.B. Georgetown University; M.A. and Ph.D. Duke University
Occupation: Professor
Qualifications: Educator for over 25 years; Parent of two students in the Lewisburg Area School District; Taxpayer
As a parent, educator, and taxpayer, I am ideally prepared to serve as a school director. Both of my children have been students in the Lewisburg schools from kindergarten until high school. As a result, I have substantial experience with the strengths and challenges of all four schools: Kelly, Linntown, DHEMS, and LAHS. As an educator for over 25 years, I have experience not only as a classroom instructor but also as an administrator acquainted with the tasks of budgeting, hiring and reviewing staff, and developing, assessing, and revising curricula. As a taxpayer I am aware of the fiscal burdens faced by LASD residents, and I vow to be a responsible steward of their financial support. My entire career has been spent in collaborative workplace settings, where decisions were made collectively. As a result, I am comfortable articulating my positions clearly and cogently, taking into consideration the opinions of those who disagree with me, and working to find sensible compromises that can garner wide acceptance. When in the position to do so, I am able to lead collective deliberations effectively, by providing a detailed agenda, sharing background information in advance, and facilitating robust but civil discussion.
Kristin Kraus
Education: B.A. Elementary Education, M.Ed in Special Education
Occupation: Teacher at Kinderfolk Preschool
Qualifications: Parent, Former Public School General Education, and Special Education Teacher
As a parent of three current LASD students and a former public school teacher myself I believe I bring a unique perspective to the School Board. I have personal experience with the challenges our teachers face in the classroom on a daily basis, and witness first hand how the decisions the District makes impact my children and their peers. These two perspectives coupled together provide me with a unique lens to look through and share insight from as we plan for the future of the Lewisburg Area School District. I have now served as a School Director for three and a half years, and have learned how important it is for the Board to stand as one collective authority once a decision is made. All nine School Board Directors have a chance to share their personal opinions and insights on any matters before us during discussion periods. Once the vote takes place and a decision is made though, the Board must move forward with whatever outcome is decided on and support the administration, teachers and staff who are left to follow through with the decision.
Website: Kristin Kraus on Facebook
Jaime Lyons
Mifflinburg Area School District Director
Precious Maria-Rios, Region 1
Education: Master of Science, Information Technology Management
Occupation: Computer Programmer
Qualifications: I bring a strong background in community engagement and student well-being, having spent three years working with a nonprofit organization to deliver a prevention program to elementary students. I’d like to serve because I am deeply committed to ensuring that all students receive a high- quality education that is both equitable and inclusive. Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. I believe that by working collaboratively with educators, parents, and the community, we can create an environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential. I am committed to fostering an environment of open communication, mutual respect, and collaboration with my fellow board members. By actively listening to diverse perspectives and sharing ideas, we can ensure that we are making well-informed decisions that prioritize the needs of all students. Together, we will work towards common goals, balancing the best interests of students, teachers, and the community, to create a supportive and effective educational system.
Buffalo Township
Supervisor: Christopher Stowe
Education: Belmont University
Occupation: Grants officer for a charitable foundation
Qualifications: I have experience in social services through my full-time work and I served on a bike and pedestrian safety advisory committee in the Nashville area.
My goal in to improve public safety, particularly traffic safety. I have seen many areas with poorly marked intersections or areas with low visibility that would benefit from better illumination, reduced speed limits, or other forms of improved safety. This is particularly true on residential streets with high speed limits where there are large numbers of low speed vehicles such as bikes or buggies. Maintenance of transportation infrastructure is critical and there ways the built environment should be improved for safety, such as wider shoulders.
Judge of Elections, Buffalo 1: Oceahanna D. Haupt
Education: Pennsylvania College of Technology
Occupation: Undergraduate/Caretaker
Qualifications: I have strong a strong knowledge of election laws and voter rights, excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, and a deep commitment to fairness and integrity.
East Buffalo Township
Supervisor: Jim Knight
Education: A.S. Engineering Science, Broome C.C.; B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Bucknell University
Occupation: Director of Energy & Utilities, Bucknell University (retired)
Qualifications: 43 years experience as engineer, project manager, and facilities director; 12 years on township planning commission, 6 years as township supervisor.
It has been a pleasure to serve as Township Supervisor for the past 6 years. We have improved services, added park space, and improved streets and roads while decreasing property taxes. We have secured millions of dollars in grant funding to complete important projects without burdening taxpayers. I want to continue moving the Township in a positive direction for the next 6 years. Public safety is our #1 priority. We need to sustain the strong support for out police, fire, and EMS services. We have made progress improving pedestrian and bicycle safety, but have more to do especially along the Rt. 45 corridor. We will continue to develop the three community parks to make them more attractive and accessible for residents and visitors.
Website: Jim Knight on Facebook
Tax Collector: Maggie Waggoner
Education: Master Library Science, State University of NY at Albany
Occupation: Public Library Director, retired
Qualifications: Public service oriented. Twenty-five+ years managing budgets, personnel and programming for public libraries. Also was a small business owner, organizing educational tours for students.
Auditor: Lana Snyder
Education: BS DEGREE
Occupation: Retired Therapeutic Recreator
Judge of Elections, EBT 2: Adrienne Wong
Education: Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, MA in Int’l Affairs & Econ.; College of William & Mary, BA in Econ.
Occupation: Labor & Human Rights/Sustainability Analyst
Qualifications: As a former human rights researcher, civil servant, and election volunteer, I deeply value democracy and our American right to vote. As JoE, I would be committed to ensuring that election operations run fairly and in a non-partisan manner. The act of voting
should be a positive experience for all.
Judge of Elections, EBT 3: James E. Maneval
Education: BS and PhD in Engineering
Occupation: Retired
Qualifications: I will use my skills to maintain smooth, fair, and reliable voting operations for all registered voters in the 3rd Precinct. Ensuring the integrity of the voting process is paramount to ensuring honest and reliable election outcomes.
Judge of Elections, EBT4: Josh Dearing
Inspector of Elections, EBT2: Sharon Silberman
Education: Master of Arts in Psychology
Occupation: Licensed Psychologist
Qualifications: Incumbent for 8 years
Inspector of Elections, EBT3: Justin Rummel
Education: Bachelor of the Arts, Political Science from Millersville University, Masters of Business Administration from Western Governors University
Occupation: Vice-President for Enrollment at Susquehanna University
Qualifications: Current executive, former Audit Director, former Fellow for the PA General Assembly & Bipartisan Management Committee, and former Research Analyst for the PA House of Representatives Health and Human Services Committee
Hartley Township
Judge of Elections: Cindy Potoeski
Education: Attended Wayne Hills High School, Wayne, New Jersey
Occupation: Owner of Decal Dynasty Wraps and Graphics
Qualifications: I have proudly served as Judge of Elections for the past four years, overseeing fair, accurate, and efficient elections in Hartley Township. Prior to being elected Judge, I served four years as Inspector of Elections, gaining extensive hands-on experience with poll operations, voter assistance, and compliance with election law. With a commitment to civic engagement, I also spent 15 years as a member of the Union County Democratic Committee, where I supported grassroots organizing, voter outreach across the county and lead the events committee. Drawing on nearly 15 years of involvement in the electoral process, I bring leadership, knowledge, and a passion for protecting the right to vote in every election served.
Kelly Township
Supervisor: Dennis MacAdam
Education: BA in philosophy from Millersville University with minors in mathematics and chemistry.
Inspector of Elections, Kelly 2: Anna P. Wolfe
Education: Graduated from high school.
Occupation: farmer
Qualifications: I have worked at the polls for 5 years.
Lewisburg Borough
Mayor: Kendy Alvarez
Education: BA, Bucknell University
Occupation: Economic Development
Qualifications: Board Member, Pennsylvania Municipal League & PA State Mayors Association. Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellow. Open Discourse Coalition Fellow.
I am running for re-election because I am committed to serving Lewisburg and ensuring it remains a vibrant, welcoming community. As Mayor, I bridge the needs of residents with local decision-making and advocate for our borough at regional, state, and federal levels. I’ve worked to strengthen government transparency, economic development, and sustainability while ensuring our community has access to key resources. There is still more to do, and I am eager to
continue working collaboratively to address challenges, build on our successes, and shape a thriving future for Lewisburg. Lewisburg provides essential services like public safety, infrastructure, and economic development, ensuring a high quality of life. To maintain and improve them, we must be more intentional about governance—strengthening our tax base, modernizing processes, and improving efficiency. A strategic, long-term vision is critical to sustaining services while adapting to new challenges. By aligning policies with sustainability, economic growth, and community engagement, we can build a resilient and inclusive future for Lewisburg.
Website: Kendy Alvarez on Facebook
Borough Council, Ward 1: Bina Bilenky Trahan
Education: BS, Recreation, Park and Tourism Science, Texas A&M University
Occupation:Event Director, Philadelphia Bike Expo
Qualifications: 4 years as Lewisburg Borough Council Member, 2 years as Borough Council Vice-President, 8 years on Lewisburg Borough Planning Commission
Borough Council, Ward 2: Erin Karahuta
Education: University of Pittsburgh: Psychology, BS, German, BA; Lehigh University: Psychology, PhD
Occupation: Research Administration
Qualifications: 7 years’ experience applying and interpreting federal and state regulations; DIG Furniture Bank Development Committee; Lewisburg Neighborhood’s Green Team
I seek this office because I love living in Lewisburg Borough, and I want the borough to be a place where residents and businesses can flourish. I have experience developing and implementing policy within an organization of over 9,000 people, and I know the importance of listening to stakeholders and considering both the positive and negative impacts a policy can have on a community. As a councilperson, I would hear the concerns of borough residents and
business owners, and I would implement policy to improve their day-to-day lives. Lewisburg Borough has mitigated flood risk, and efforts are underway to increase the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. This supports the well-being of residents and the economic health of the borough, and there is more work to be done. I would enhance the economic development of Lewisburg by supporting local entrepreneurs, collaborating with community partners, and investing in local infrastructure. I would also invest in our borough’s outdoor spaces, which would attract new visitors and invite current residents to engage with their community. As a member of Lewisburg Neighborhood’s Green Team, I have seen the impact a few people can have on creating inclusive, sustainable outdoor spaces the entire community can enjoy.
Borough Council, Ward 3: David Heayn
Education: Villanova Univ., BA, 2007, MA, 2009; The Graduate Center of the City Univ. of New York, MPhil, 2014, PhD in progress
Occupation: Communications Director of Mental Health Campaign at Children First
Qualifications: 8 years of experience as a Lewisburg Borough Council member, including 1 year as Council President; Served on various non-profit boards, contributing to strategic planning and community outreach; Proven leadership with professional non-profit experience, focusing on advancing community needs.
I am seeking to serve to continue my commitment to making our community a stronger, more inclusive place for all. I have seen firsthand the impact that thoughtful, collaborative leadership can have on our local government. I am passionate about improving the quality of life in Lewisburg by focusing on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and building partnerships between local government, nonprofits, businesses, and residents. As an community-driven change, I want to help shape policies that foster economic development, support the arts, improve public services, and ensure that every voice in our community is heard and respected. I believe in a collaborative approach to positive change for the people of Lewisburg. Our green spaces & rec areas enhance quality of life, offering leisure & health benefits. Improving accessibility, & enhancing parks will better serve all residents. Our infrastructure, including roads & water systems, needs proactive maintenance to prevent larger issues. Implementing a plan for repairs & accessibility improvements is essential. Our environmental work through recycling, waste management, and using green infrastructure to mitigate flooding & create a healthier environment. Economic growth is key; supporting small businesses & streamlining permits will strengthen our local economy. Affordable housing is a priority—addressing zoning & developing mixed-use solutions will ensure housing for many who are excluded.
Borough Council, Ward 4: Philip Stamm
Judge of Elections, Ward 1: Michael S. Brody
Education: Attended S.U.N.Y at Alfred
Occupation: retired
Qualifications: I have lived in Lewisburg Ward 1 for 40 years. I was also appointed to Borough Council for 1 1/2 years.
Judge of Elections, Ward 2: Anne Griffin
Education: BSN, MSN
Occupation: RN
Qualifications: Judge or Elections appointment since 2023
Judge of Elections, Ward 3: Debra Sulai
Education: Houghton College, BA; Regent College (Canada), Masters & University of Chicago, PhD
Occupation: Director of Lewisburg Neighborhoods
Qualifications: Previous Judge of Elections, Lewisburg Ward 3; Lewisburg Borough Council, Ward 3
Mifflinburg Borough
Borough Council, East: Linda Lewis
Education: Bachelor’s and Master’s in Architectural Engineering from Penn State; Associates in Allied Health Sciences from USAF
Occupation: Retired U.S. Air Force engineer
Qualifications: US Forces Veteran; Former Mifflinburg Borough Council Member
I have a desire to help in the ways that I can. After 21 years of active duty in the military, I still enjoy working for the people. I’m very happy that the council member position does not require wearing battle gear weighing half my body weight or dredging through knee-high ‘moon dust’ somewhere. I enjoy working on issues of today (engineers tend to have a ‘get-er done’ type attitude) as well as planning for the needs and visions of tomorrow (in the most practical, economical and timely way possible). I look forward to continuing to use my skillset to serve the people of my community. Mifflinburg is a nice town that provides water, sewer, & electric to its residents. It has its own Police Dept & 2 Community Parks. It also offers intangibles like safety, opportunity, & culture. As far as improvements needed—1st is the unsexy—the sewer pipes. The sewer pipes below the surface are like Swiss cheese, letting water infiltrate the system—which then in turn overwhelms the sewer plant. Yuck, right. This is the most unsexy, but necessary improvement needed. Now the sexy—the Community Parks. Here is where there is much opportunity to revive a community. How to transform the spaces to where people want to go? Should one be geared towards sports & the other family? Should there be a circular walk-path inside the park? a pool? a stage?
New Berlin Borough
Borough Council: Michael Palermo
Education: BA Psychology, MS Exceptionalities
Occupation: Retired Licensing Inspector/Investigator
Qualifications: Resident of New Berlin since 1979, Current Council member
I am running to continue to serve residents of New Berlin and make a difference. I support opportunities to volunteer and participate in activities of New Berlin. The borough is a great community to raise your children. It would be nice to have more community folks take an active role in the various activities we have to offer.