2019 primary election: Schuylkill County clerk of courts

In the upcoming primary, Melissa Santai-Clarke is challenging incumbent Maria Casey on the Republican ticket for clerk of courts.

Maria Casey

Background: A daughter of Kathleen and the late Joseph M. Casey, she is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College and the University of Pittsburgh law school. She is a board member of the Pottsville Kiwanis Club and the DAWGS Prison Project, vice president of the Minersville Area Historical Society, treasurer for Schuylkill County Friends of the NRA.

Accomplishments at work: Working with Controller Christy Joy, very stringent internal controls now exist in the office. Protecting taxpayers’ dollars is a primary focus. Another accomplishment is Victims First, which focuses on restitution for victims, Casey’s office has paid more than $800,000 to crime victims. Casey also implemented a new program: defendants who post their own bail don’t get their bail back until the victims are paid first.

Role of the Clerk of Courts: The Clerk of Courts is very important as it administers the criminal docket and ensures that justice is served. Casey has a dedicated, veteran staff with more than 50 years of combined experience. They serve as judicial clerks in addition to performing duties in the Clerk of Courts office. Their knowledge and expertise make the office run smoothly and serves the taxpayers by cutting costs.

Melissa Santai-Clarke

Background: A lifelong Republican, Clarke has more than 20 years’ experience in human services and more than 10 years’ as a manager and supervisor. A Nativity BVM high school grad, she has a BS in Criminal Justice (with a minor in addiction studies), Alvernia University, Reading, and Master of Social Work degree, Marywood University, Scranton.

Accomplishments at work: Drug and Alcohol Counselor/Case manager, Children Home of Reading (3 years); County Caseworker/Supervisor, Berks County Children & Youth (8 years); Program Director Therapeutic Foster Care and Adoption Services, Pottsville (3 years); Director of Admissions, Consulate Healthcare, Luther Ridge, Pottsville, and Priority Health Care, Reading. Since 2017, Director of Admissions for the Pennsylvania for Consulate Health Care.

Role of the Clerk of Courts: With extensive management experience as well as a wealth of knowledge gained in serving vulnerable populations, I have the experience to run an efficient and stable office. Since January 2016 the Clerk of Courts office had more than 15 employees leave the office — our criminal justice system deserves stability. The Clerk of Courts must be someone willing to dedicate full-time energy and focus to the office.