Chesco clerk, treasurer defeated

By Kathleen Brady Shea

Inquirer Staff Writer

The Chester County clerk of courts and treasurer were defeated yesterday in the Republican primary.

Clerk Teena A. Peters, 61, of Phoenixville, lost her party's nomination to Frank McElwaine, 73, a retired corporate budget director from West Chester. Peters is in her second four-year term.

The Democratic candidate will be Mike McGann, 44, a Web developer and editor from Pocopson, who ran unopposed.

Two-term Treasurer Alan J. Randzin, 58, of Downingtown, was defeated by Ann Duke, 50, a former West Chester Borough councilwoman.

The Democratic candidate will be Barbara "Kipp" Stone, 66, a retired bank vice president from West Goshen.

The remaining row-office races for November will include Democrat Jim Reilly, 69, of Chester Springs, a retired business executive who wants to unseat incumbent controller Val DiGiorgio, 41, of West Whiteland.

Republican Steven J. Dickter and Democrat Megan Lynott will vie for the coroner's vacancy created by incumbent Republican Robert O. Satriale, who is not seeking another term. The incumbent jury commissioners from each party, Republican Mimi H. Sack and Democrat Martha S. Smith, ran unopposed.

Joseph "Skip" Brion, head of the county's Republican Party, estimated a 15 to 20 percent turnout, which he described as normal for an off-year primary election.

"It's always disappointing to me that voters don't take the right to vote more seriously - especially in races that have so much local impact, such as school board and magisterial district judge," he said.

Michele Vaughn, the county Democratic chairwoman, wondered whether the lack of news-media attention had played a role.

"I expected higher numbers," Vaughn said. "It's disappointing given how much enthusiasm there was last year."

For years, Chester County was a GOP stronghold; however, Democrats have been eroding the 2-1 ratio Republicans enjoyed for decades.

Figures released this month showed 149,842 registered Republicans and 125,728 Democrats, according to the county's Voter Services. A year ago, there were 147,257 Republicans and 111,916 Democrats.

Contact staff writer Kathleen Brady Shea at 610-696-3815 or kbrady@phillynews.com.

CURRENTLY SHOWING ON PHILLY.COM