2023 PA Laborers’ District Council Endorsed Candidates
Vote November 07, 2023
Endorsed
Republican Party
JOE ROCKEY: THE BIPARTISAN PROBLEM-SOLVER WE NEED
MAKE OUR STREETS SAFER
Crime is at an all-time high. Keeping us safe on the streets and in our homes is Job One. We will establish a juvenile detention and rehabilitation center, clean up the county jail, support our police, and listen to victims.
BRING IN NEW JOBS AND INDUSTRY
Support our existing industries and attract new ones by bolstering our County Department of Economic Development and working with labor and business to create jobs for all.
FIGHT FOR TAXPAYERS
Cut waste, streamline government, and increase revenues by expanding the economy. Always find ways to save taxpayer money.
PRO UNION
Joe's roots are planted deep in the Union soil, nurtured by the teachings and experiences of his father, a proud Union member. Growing up in the North Side, Joe embraced the lessons of hard work and fairness. These principles are reflected in his sensible plan to rejuvenate our local economy and ensure safety in our neighborhoods.
Joe sees the Laborers not just as workers but as the vital pulse of our community, deserving of opportunities and growth. As County Executive, he is committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with us, championing projects that not only create jobs but foster a thriving and united County.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Judge McCaffery’s service to his Country, Community and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania began long before his legal career.
Judge McCaffery is a proud military veteran. At the age of 18 he joined the United States Army where he served on active duty with the First Cavalry Division. He was one of a few select soldiers chosen from the military to attend the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point Prep School. Judge McCaffery is currently the only military veteran serving on the Pennsylvania Appellate Courts. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Judge McCaffery attended Temple University and Temple University Law School on a veteran’s scholarship.
Prior to taking the bench in 2013, Dan spent decades volunteering for the Democratic Party. Dan served as a Democratic State Committee member, and as a member of the Philadelphia Democratic City Committee, where he also used his experience and expertise as an attorney to serve as legal counsel to the committee. Over the years Dan has worked on at least 50 campaigns at every level. Whether its managing campaigns, fundraising, or knocking doors for our candidates, Dan has stepped up to serve.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Jill Beck has dedicated her career to ensuring that all Pennsylvanians have access to justice. She now hopes to serve on the Pennsylvania Superior Court to continue her tireless fight for fairness in our judicial system. Jill has the experience, integrity, and dedication needed to exceptionally serve the public on one of the Commonwealth’s top courts.
In the fall of 2019 Jill became a civil litigator at Blank Rome, a law firm she selected because of its commitment to providing free legal services to those who cannot afford them. In addition to her busy litigation and appellate practice in state and federal courts across the country, she continued to help the underserved in Pennsylvania’s legal system, representing members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, and victims of domestic violence, wage theft, and gun violence resulting from illegal firearm sales; assisting those experiencing housing insecurity; supporting low-income criminal defendants seeking to secure the same constitutional protections as those with means; providing guidance for low-income civil litigants who represent themselves in court; and volunteering to aid in voter protection efforts. Jill also served as chair of Blank Rome Pittsburgh’s Pro Bono Coordinating Committee, has been involved in the firm’s work to address systemic criminal justice reforms, civil rights, and voter protection issues, and co-chaired a pro bono group aimed at protecting an individual’s right to protest. She further served two terms on the board of the Allegheny County Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Allegheny County Bar Association.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Judge Timika Lane was elected to the Court of the Common Pleas in 2013 after a distinguished career as a teacher and then a lawyer. She was first assigned to the Major Trials program in the Criminal Division. There Judge Lane supervised human trafficking cases. In addition, she presided over serious felony criminal matters including but not limited to domestic/family violence, sexual assault, attempted murder, arson, robbery, and burglary. She also handled Investigative Grand Jury matters and supervised re-entry programs. Judge Lane is now assigned to the Complex Litigation jury trial program in the Civil Division.
Judge Lane became the Chief Legal Counsel for a State Senator and the Executive Director for the Pennsylvania State Senate State Government Committee. Her duties included a challenge to Pennsylvania’s Photo ID law, assessing the constitutionality of proposed and existing legislation, drafting legislation, and guidance regarding the legal implications of legislation, regulations, and administrative policies. She also served as a Civil Arbitrator and a member of numerous legal associations.
She serves as Chair of the Board of City Trust Committee of the Philadelphia Board of Judges, Co-Chair of the Local Criminal Rules Committee and a member of the Communication and Community Affairs, Civil Rules, Jury, FYI and Women Judges Initiative committees. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court appointed her to the County Adult Probation and Parole Advisory Committee (CAPPAC) where she serves as Co-Chair. Governor Tom Wolf appointed her as a Commissioner to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. She also serves as a Zone 1 Delegate with the Pennsylvania Bar Association and Chair-Elect for the Clifford Scott Green Chapter of the National Judicial Council. In addition, she served on the Elder Law Task Force.
PA GOVENOR
Endorsed
Republican Party
Megan believes that public service is a calling and that she has been called to serve. She answered that call, and her legal career spans more than three decades across our state and federal governments. Megan has the unique distinction of serving in all three branches of our state government, and as an attorney for the United States Navy. Megan made history when she became the first woman to serve as the Pennsylvania Senate’s Secretary-Parliamentarian. There, she managed the legislative process with diligence and care for more than a decade, ensuring that the constitution, laws, and rules of the Senate were followed throughout the legislative process. Megan is highly regarded across the Commonwealth and the nation for her expertise in government law and process, and especially for the judicious and skillful way in which she carried out her important responsibilities at the Senate.
Megan is again answering the call to service, this time, to serve on the Commonwealth Court where she will be a fair and impartial jurist who will stand up for constitutional rights. Megan will not legislate from the bench, and instead, will apply the law as it was written by the General Assembly. She will ensure that, just like people, ourgovernment follows the law, too. Megan will be a staunch defender of the rule of law for the people of Pennsylvania.
SENATOR
Endorsed
Republican Party
Anthony has wanted to become a judge since interning with Judge Mazur of the Allegheny Court ofCommon Pleas while in Law School. This desire was strengthened when he clerked for Justice Montemuro and Judge Lally-Green on the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Two aspects of being a judge appeal to him. First, it is Anthony’s natural tendency to treat people fairly and to listen to all sides of an issue. While a prosecutor, he acted fairly by keeping in his mind to do the right thing on his cases. In fact, that ability to do the right thing and not just advocate for a particular position is what he enjoyed most about being a prosecutor. Second, Anthony likes the public service aspect of being a judge. Anthony’s parents were both teachers/school administrators and they instilled in him a belief that serving the public through your profession is the most rewarding work.
Finally, through representing police officers in union matters and when involved in shootings, Anthony has gained an appreciation for the stresses that they face, including the fear experienced walking up to a car at a traffic stop or the front door on a domestic violence call and the uncertainty they can experience in dangerous and confusing situations.
By combining the intimate experience of working closely with and representing these individuals, Anthony believes that he has gained the knowledge to effectively address the concerns of all of those involved in the justice system when ruling on a case or sentencing or fashioning a result in a diversionary court.
Paul
Cozza
COURT OF
COMMON PLEAS (RETENTION)
Endorsed
Democratic Party
He was appointed to the Court of Common Pleas and was confirmed unanimously by the Pennsylvania Senate. Prior to his appointment, he was appointed by the judges on the Court to serve as a Special Master on the Board of Viewers where he heard more than 2,000 cases pertaining to property assessment, eminent domain and condemnation cases. He has more than 21 years of legal experience as a judge and an attorney in private practice and he is recommended by the Allegheny County Bar Association.
Endorsed
Republican Party
Judge Rangos was appointed to the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County in 2003 by Gov. Edward G. Rendell and subsequently elected to serve a full 10-year term. Initially assigned to the Family Division, juvenile section, in 2008 she was reassigned to the Criminal Division. She is the Supervising Judge of the Allegheny County Grand Juries and serves on the Sex Offenses specialty court. Effective Jan. 2, 2019, she was appointed Administrative Judge of the Criminal Division.
Prior to her tenure on the court, Judge Rangos served as a law clerk for the Honorable Maurice B. Cohill, Jr. in the Federal District Court and as a civil litigation attorney at Thorp, Reed & Armstrong and Babst Calland Clements & Zomnir in Pittsburgh.
Endorsed
Republican Party
As District Attorney, I am the Chief Law Enforcement Officer for the county and am responsible for seeking justice on a daily basis for the citizens of this county. In addition, I am also charged with protecting the rights of our society and the individuals who make up that society. To that end, I am extremely proud of the staff of attorneys and support personnel who have been brought together to carry out what is oftentimes a broad and complex mission. With your support and vote I hope to continue this mission.
Endorsed
Republican Party
Mike Embrescia, 44, is a senior executive with one of the premier robotics companies in the U.S. and one of the first robotics companies founded in Pittsburgh, PA. Mike lives in Mt. Lebanon with his wife of 17 years and their two young daughters. He is very active in the community and serves on the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Circles Board, Pittsburgh Robotics Network, and is a long-time member of the Pennsylvania Society, Phipps Conservatory, Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation and many others.
Mike Embrescia wishes to serve as the Allegheny County Councilperson for District 5 (Dormont, Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair & Bethel Park). He wants to ensure that the Citizens of D5 are strongly represented at the County-level. He will offer his strengths in business and operations when making important County decisions – and moreover, he wants to help restore a level of decorum to Council and our local politics.
In 2020, Mike served as campaign manager for PA State Senator Devlin Robinson (37th District), where the team realized a come-from-behind victory to unseat an incumbent – from negative 17 points in the polls, to winning by 5 points!
From 2020-2022, Mike served as Chair of the Mt. Lebanon Republican Committee. The once powerful committee was reduced to a small group and lacked any committee infrastructure. Within 15 months, Mike and his team rebuilt the committee – and quickly re-energized the local constituency!
Endorsed
Democratic Party
John Palmiere was appointed to represent District 6 of Allegheny County Council on January 21, 2011, to finish the unexpired term of Ms. Joan Cleary. John served for over 23 years as the Director of the Baldwin Whitehall School District, a position requiring him to remain aware of education issues and of the ever-changing world of local and state concerns. As the District Director, John guided 84 percent of graduates of Baldwin Whitehall High School to pursue post-secondary education. He oversaw the Board through difficult transitions and large projects, including the $64 million renovation of the high school. John served as the Director of the Allegheny County Intermediate Unit, which enhanced his understanding of our region's education system and allowed him to confront problems impacting the 42 school districts in Allegheny County. He is a member of Baldwin Whitehall High School's Dedication Committee and is a board member of the Friends of the Baldwin Whitehall Theater Arts.
As an entrepreneur, who began Palmiere's Hair Center 40 years ago, John's seasoned local business experience allows him to relate to business owners and the economy of Allegheny County. Through his professional career, he interacts with constituents every day, giving him a constant perspective of citizens' opinions. He was an Adjunct Instructor at the Pittsburgh Barber School and the Professional Barber and Beauty Supplies, Inc., and he currently holds a Pennsylvania Barbers License and Pennsylvania Shop Managers License. He has been a member of the UFCW, Local 23, Barber Division for over 40 years.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
As a lifelong resident of District Seven, I look forward to continuing to serve as your representative for the County Council. Allegheny County is an extraordinary place to live, work, and raise a family in, and I am committed to working with you to build and strengthen our county.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
DeWitt returned to Gary, Indiana in 1976 to work for Inland Steel Co. where he became active in both his local union and community organizations. He served in a number of capacities in his local union including Political Education Director. In 1990, the United Steelworkers union hired DeWitt as an Organizer for the United Steelworkers of America and in 1995 transferred to Pittsburgh where he has worked on and directed projects that have taken him across the United States, and Europe and Africa. Currently DeWitt serves as an Assistant to the International President for the United Steelworkers.
Continuing to practice the principles of building coalitions between Labor, Activist and Community groups, DeWitt served as a National Board member of Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), President of the Pittsburgh chapter of ADA. Currently he serves, as Vice President of the Pittsburg A. Philip Randolph Institute (PAPRI) is a Board member of the Thelma Lovette/Centre Ave YMCA, Three Rivers Waterkeepers and Schenley Heights Development along with A P+ Schools. He continues to be active in the Pittsburgh Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. In his USW, APRI and Kappa Alpha Psi roles, he created a partnership with the Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh (HACP) that focused on efforts to empower HACP residents and communities economically, educationally, conduct mentoring programs for children of residents and build better information sharing systems for the residents of those facilities. He also serves as Program Director of the Pittsburgh APRI’s “Breaking The Chains of Poverty” workforce development program.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
David Bonaroti is running for the District 13 seat on Allegheny County Council. Born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, David is committed to improving our community. He is advocating for policies that will enhance social services, strengthen our local economy, and expand housing affordability.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
The son of a lifelong Teamster and a healthcare worker, I learned growing up the value of hard work and cooperation. I've taken that lesson to heart as I have spent my entire career as a staffer working alongside our neighbors to build a strong future for the 3rd Council District and the City of Pittsburgh.
For the last five years, I have worked for Pittsburgh City Council to bring the needs of our neighbors to Grant St, and bring the services we need back to our neighborhoods. In that role, I have fought to create safer, cleaner neighborhoods, using strategies from traffic calming to demolishing unsafe buildings to bringing homeless services to the district.
My wife and I are proud to live in the South Side among neighbors who have become friends. We have chosen this area to build our family and hope for a future for this district where everyone can confidently make that choice. I am running for City Council because that future is not guaranteed. I understand the lesson my family taught me–that no job is too tough when everyone pitches in. I want to keep pitching in alongside you as your city councilman.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Hello, I am Judge Carolyn "Carrie" Bengel and I have been serving the residents of Brackenridge, East Deer, Fawn, Harrison & Tarentum since 1994.
It has been my pleasure to serve the residents of our community for the past 30 years and I am asking for your support this year. It has always been my goal to treat everyone with fairness and compassion while at the same time working to keep our communities safe.
I would like to ask for your support and help this year as I truly believe that there is no substitute for experience and I hope that you will support me once again.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
I was hired as a prosecutor in the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office, where, over 13 years, I litigated thousands of felony and misdemeanor cases before Magistrate and Common Pleas Court Judges. While an Assistant DA, I helped form United Steelworker's Local 3403.
In the Crimes Victims Unit I primarily prosecuted cases involving crimes against the elderly and children and was asked to assist in the formation of a specialty unit dedicated to prosecuting child sex assaults.
As the Supervisor of the PreTrial and ARD units of the office I streamlined the processing of criminal cases, leading to a significant reduction in case backlogs allowing victims of crimes quicker access to justice. In addition, I also oversaw approximately 4000 cases applying for admission into the ARD program for first time non violent offenders.
Since moving to private practice, I have handled complex criminal and civil litigation across the Commonwealth. I was designated as a national deposition counsel by one of the largest companies in the world and have represented clients in toxic tort litigation throughout the Commonwealth.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Hello! My name is Nina Ricciardi. I am a candidate for District Judge serving the communities of Arlington, Arlington Heights, Mount Oliver City, Saint Clair, South Side Flats, South Side Slopes and Oakland in the Primary on May 16, 2023.
I will work to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods, keep our families safe, and ensure fairness under the law while serving the people of Allegheny County.
Currently, women represent less than 15% of the minor judiciary court system in Allegheny County and only one out of the 12 seats in the City of Pittsburgh is held by a woman. I am looking to close the gender gap and foster the active role of women in the judiciary, creating a more diverse group of district judges rotating on the bench in Pittsburgh Municipal Court.
Proudly endorsed by the Allegheny County Democratic Committee, Allegheny/Fayette Central Labor Council, the Laborers' District Council of Western PA, and PA State Representatives and Senators, I hope to become part of the generational shift in leadership across Pittsburgh.
Endorsed
Republican Party
Bio not currently available.
Endorsed
Democratic Party
Mitchell Karaica is from the District and for the District, as a lifelong resident, proud graduate of Springdale High School, devoted member of the community, and former council member. Born & raised in the District, Mitch and his wife of 18 years, Dianne Zurisko-Karaica, are committed to the community not only as active residents, but as homeowners, taxpayers, and supporters of local community organizations through the donation of time and resources.
Professionally, he has spent his career helping to power our communities with Genon Energy (formerly Duquesne Light), in addition to serving 20+ years as a Union Representative for IBEW 29. Since the Primary, Mitch has successfully passed the certifying course offered by the Minor Judiciary Education Board of PA, which not only fully qualifies him to take the seat of MDJ on day one if elected, but also specifically certifies him in the day-to-day knowledge and duties that comprise the role of MDJ.
Aside from his passion for the community and qualifications, Mitch is a hard worker and man of character, who is humble, transparent, and takes great pride in sticking to the facts and doing the right thing, who will remain steadfast in a position of impartiality.
If elected, he will wholly dedicate himself as a full-time Magisterial District Judge and an impartial servant to the community, with continuity of the current staff and evening hours. Count on Karaica for commitment to the community, qualifications specific to the role, and character to uphold the integrity of the office.
Endorsed
Republican Party
A lawyer for over 30 years, Leslie hopes to serve our community as your next District Judge!
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