Commissioner Hopefuls Make Their Case

Twenty-three candidates for Westmoreland County commissioner have just a few minutes each to make their case to a panel of judges today. The candidates are vying to replace Republican Kim Ward, who was elected to the state Senate. The county's eleven Common Pleas judges will appoint a new commissioner. Last month, the county's Republican committee interviewed the candidates and recommended four of them. Committee vice-chairwoman Elaine Gowaty says the judges can choose whomever they want; the goal was for the committee to have a say. Whoever is chosen will be in the minority. The other two Westmoreland County commissioners are Democrats. The judges are expected to make a decision by Monday.