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HOLLIDAYSBURG -- Blair County's incumbent prothonotary is seeking a second four-year term in office.
Robin Patton, 59, of Hollidaysburg, who won the post four years ago and succeeded longtime Prothonotary Carol Newman, announced her candidacy Wednesday for the Republican nomination in the May 18 primary.
"Over the years, from my time as an entry level clerk-typist to your elected prothonotary, I have gained the knowledge of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedures, while keeping up with the ever-changing laws that govern the office," Patton told a group of 40 attending her campaign kick-off at the Allegheny Creamery and Crepes.
The group, including current and former county officials, office staff members and paralegals who use the office, were among those cheering for Patton.
"You have to keep up with the latest, the new systems, with how things work, how people access information," former state senator and county commissioner John H. Eichelberger Jr. said in introducing Patton at Wednesday's event. "I can't say enough about how important it is to have the right person in this office and Robin is the right person."
Patton said that since taking office three years ago, she has introduced electronic document filing options and an online marriage application. She implemented the Guardian Tracking System with protections for vulnerable citizens and the elderly.
"I will always look into new options to enhance the technology already in place and to continue to pay for this through alternate funding with no cost to the taxpayers, whatsoever," she said.
Patton is the second candidate to announce her campaign for the Republican nomination in the spring primary. Altoona resident Bill Strasser, 67, announced his candidacy on Feb. 2.
Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.