Two vie for GOP jury commissioner post

Anne Danahy

Two candidates are competing in the Republican primary to fill the party’s jury commissioner post.

Miller

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Anne Lose, who held the job for more than 30 years, isn’t running again. Looking to succeed her are Richard “Dick” Kisslak, 72, of Spring Township, and Hope Miller, 53, of Howard Township.

Kisslak is retired, aside from being a member of the Centre County court tipstaff, who help guide jurors through the trial process. He said he decided to run after Lose said she did not plan to.

“I thought this would be right up my alley, so to speak, because I know what the job entails and my feeling is I could do it easily, so I decided to go for it,” Kisslak said.

Miller, the tax collector in Howard Township, said she likes working with local government and is ready for a new opportunity to serve.

“I want to ensure we continue to meet the standard of excellence we expect from Centre County government,” Miller said.

The county’s two jury commissioners — a Republican and a Democrat — are chosen in the primary election, and hold the part-time jobs for four-year terms. They collate lists of potential jurors and mail out summonses about six times a year.

Ruth L. Luse is unopposed in her bid for the Democratic post.

Miller points to her experience as tax collector and president of Centre County Tax Collectors Association, which provides training for tax collectors in the county.

She said she’ll look for ways to improve operations. One idea she heard mentioned at a recent candidates’ forum is to have small jury selections, as needed, rather than a handful of larger ones throughout the year. That could be more efficient and save time for potential jurors, Miller said.

A Penns Valley High School graduate, Miller is also a bus driver for the Bald Eagle Area schools and runs a part-time business offering environmentally friendly home care consultation and products. She said she already does work similar to the jury commissioner job: large mailings, book keeping and office work.

“I’m passionate about protecting our constitutional right of trial by jury and to me that requires management skills and organization,” she said.

Kisslak, who grew up in Johnstown, is a retired salesman and school teacher. Most recently, he taught choral music in the State College Area School District. He also ran an interior decorator and office supply store in Bellefonte.

“I’m a people person. I love people. I love to meet people. I love to work with people,” Kisslak said.

He said one of the things he is proudest of his involvement with the Kiwanis Club, including being elected governor of the state Kiwanis in 2006-07. He said he enjoys serving and will do the best he possibly can for the job.

“I follow a terrific lady and want to follow in her footsteps,” Kisslak said.

Anne Danahy can be reached at 231-4648.