Erie County to host mayor and judge candidates' forum

Erie County United, a social justice group, will hold a public forum this Saturday. The event will allow voters to hear from candidates running for mayor, county judge, and district judge in Erie. The forum is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. at the Booker T. Washington Center on Holland Street. Attendance is free, but people are encouraged to register online. In the race for Erie mayor, three Democrats are running. Incumbent Joe Schember is seeking a third term. Daria Devlin, a member of the Erie School Board, and retired teacher Sheila Woeger are also candidates. Republican Matthew S. Thomas is in the race as well. Additionally, Julie Minich plans to run as an independent. For the Erie County judgeship, candidates include Leigh Ann Orton, Jeremy Lightner, and Emily Mosco Merski. The district judge candidates are Christine Rush, Mark Aleksandrowicz, and Paul "P.J." Monella. Voters should note that the primaries for Erie will take place in May. For more details, visit Erie County United's Facebook page.