In February, the Pennsylvania Senate approved and Gov. Josh Shapiro appointed Jon Wian to lead the vacated register of wills office following a period of mismanagement and resultant court-appointed conservatorship. As register of wills, Jon Wian is responsible for the county’s estates, probation of wills, marriage licenses, adoptions and guardianships. In addition, the office is the resource for the county’s genealogical records and services.

Wian, 43, is an experienced Westmoreland executive following nearly a decade of service as chief deputy to the county treasurer and chief of staff to the chairman of the county commissioners. He is a lifelong local Republican and local resident with an associate degree in small business management and a bachelor’s degree in legal studies, graduating magna cum laude from California University of Pennsylvania.

In addition to the well-qualified Wian, two other individuals, both of whom are former clerks in that office, are candidates for this position. One, a newly registered Republican, returned from retirement and assisted the conservator in cleaning up the records backlog prior to Wian’s appointment by Shapiro. But this position requires far more than timely and correct records-keeping. While being cost efficient, the incumbent must continuously optimize the organization using state-of-the-art systems and methodology.

Of the three candidates, Wian stands out with the best management expertise to lead. Please join me in voting for Jon Wian for Westmoreland County register of wills.

Maury Fey

Murrysville