Consiglio, Bernard, Ott, Patton celebrate wins
Four Blair County candidates ran unopposed in Tuesday election
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Mirror photo by Gary M. Baranec / First Assistant District Attorney Jackie Bernard talks with David Willnecker of Altoona on election night at the Bavarian Hall. Bernard won the election for Common Pleas Court judge.
HOLLIDAYSBURG -- Candidates for four Blair County offices had no opposition in Tuesday's election but joined local Republicans at the Bavarian Hall to celebrate what will be new jobs in January for three of them and the last term in office for one.
"I'm ready to start another term," incumbent District Attorney Richard Consiglio said, confirming that he intends to make this next term his last. "I still need to deal with a few of these cases that keep hanging around. Some of them just keep coming back."
In the Republican primary, Consiglio won the nomination over Hollidaysburg attorney Robert Donaldson. Consiglio also won the Democratic nomination through write-in votes.
Since his first election in 2005, the Frankstown Township resident has been re-elected three times, including Tuesday.
Winning their first countywide elections were First Assistant District Attorney Jackie Bernard, who becomes a Common Pleas Court judge, Duncansville Police Chief James Ott, who becomes sheriff, and Deputy Prothonotary Robin Patton, who becomes prothonotary.
All four will be part of a swearing-in ceremony in January.
"I'm excited about joining the current jurists we have on the bench, and I believe I can make a positive contribution," Bernard said at the Bavarian Hall.
Bernard had no opposition in the spring primary, where she secured both Republican and Democratic nominations. She has worked about 20 years in the district attorney's office. The judgeship is a 10-year term.
Ott, who made his first run for sheriff this year, won the Republican primary over the department's former Chief Deputy Sam McClure of Altoona, and the Democratic nomination through write-in votes.
Ott said he thinks former Sheriff Mitch Cooper and current Sheriff P. Richard Books have created the kind of sheriff's department that he wants to lead.
"I want to continue to keep that office running in a professional manner," Ott said.
Patton of Hollidaysburg, a deputy prothonotary, has worked 18 years with Prothonotary Carol Newman, who is retiring. Patton won the Republican nomination in the primary over two challengers, Cristi Waltz of East Freedom and Cindy Dick of Roaring Spring. She also won the Democratic nomination through write-in votes.
Patton said Tuesday night that she is ready for the new assignment and looking forward to it.
"I'm excited for next year and I'm going to work hard for the Blair County citizens," she said.
Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 946-7456.