County Offices
Steve Dershem – County Commissioner
incumbent
Steve Dershem is a Bellefonte resident and was first elected Centre County Commissioner in 2003. Steve is seeking reelection for his sixth term as county Commissioner. During Dershem’s tenure, several important projects came to fruition and were completed, including the development of a modern countywide 9-1-1 system, construction of the Public Safety Training Center for emergency responders, and development of mental health and substance abuse programs that have since been a model for others throughout the state.
“I am proud to seek reelection to the leadership of an organization that is dedicated to the improvement of our communities, the betterment of the lives of our residents and the prudent use of your tax dollars,” Dershem said.
Marie Librizzi – County Commissioner
Marie Librizzi has been a Centre County resident since 1978 and currently lives in Ferguson Township. She retired in December 2022 after 42 years of co-owning Old Main Frame Shop & Gallery. Librizzi’s other entrepreneurial ventures include previous ownership of the Boalsburg Pump Station Cafe, Sadie’s Gourmet Waffles, and The Gathering Restaurant. Running for county commissioner is the next extension of Librizzi’s long history of community involvement. One of Librizzi’s top initiatives is to help include Centre County’s more rural areas in county-wide conversations and decisions.
“There’s a lot to love about Centre County. We have a lot of strengths; however, for too long Centre County has been viewed as just the Centre Region. It’s important to me that we increase the involvement of individuals, businesses, and organizations in some of our county’s more rural areas.”
Bryan Sampsel – Sheriff
incumbent
Bryan Sampsel is a Bellefonte resident and is seeking the Republican nomination for Centre County’s top law enforcement office. Sampsel is a 1988 Bellefonte Area High School graduate who attended Penn State before enlisting and serving in the Pennsylvania National Guard. Sampsel began his career with the sheriff’s office in 2003, working as a deputy and later sergeant before being elected sheriff in 2015.
“I would again like to thank all the voters of Centre County for the opportunity to serve as your sheriff for the past seven plus years,” Sampsel said. “I’m asking for your support again to continue to serve as sheriff of Centre County. We have had many accomplishments over the past several years and would embrace the opportunity to continue to move the office forward.”
Joseph Davidson – Recorder of Deeds
incumbent
Joseph Davidson will run for reelection as the Centre County Recorder of Deeds for a seventh term in office. Davidson was first elected recorder of deeds in 1999 and has dramatically improved efficiency and led the office’s transition to 21st century technology. Those accomplishments include imaging and reindexing all documents dates back to the county’s beginning, developing one of Pennsylvania’s first web-based public access system, implementing electronic recording of documents, and becoming the first Centre County row office to accept credit cards for payment.
“It has been an honor to serve the residents of Centre County these last 23 years and I look forward to working for them for another term,” Davidson said.
Christine Millinder – Register of Wills
incumbent
Christine Millinder is running for a third term as Centre County register of wills and clerk of the Orphan’s Court. A resident of Pleasant Gap, Millinder was first elected to the position running as a Republican in 2015. Prior to that, she worked in the office for 28 years as a clerk and deputy register of wills.
“I have been honored to serve in this office and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to continue to do so,” Millinder said.
Justin Behrens – Treasurer
Justin Behrens is running for Centre County Treasurer. Behrens is no stranger to public service, and he has placed his life on the line for our country in the US Army. Behrens is a successful non-profit executive, where he leads an organization and grew it to become a great steward of its money. Behrens is a family man—a proud father of two sons and a supportive husband to his wife. Behrens has spent his life serving others and is now ready to do the same for Centre County.
“The citizens of Centre County deserve a Treasurer’s office that works efficiently and for the people. Working as a successful business executive, I plan to work effortlessly to be a good steward of the taxpayer’s money and ensure that the office does what it needs to do in a timely and efficient manner,” Behrens said.
Local Supervisor/Council Offices
Kathy Evey – Benner Township Supervisor
Kathy Evey, born and raised on a farm in Benner Township that has been in her family since 1938, is running for the office of Benner Township Supervisor. Kathy’s extensive background and experience contains many qualifications that are essential to being a successful township supervisor. She worked in tax preparation for CPA and tax offices and spent time as a legal assistant, a municipal authority office manager, and a building manager for a 91-unit homeowners association. Kathy also served on the Bellefonte Area School District Board of Education from 1991 to 1999 and was instrumental in forming Win4Bellefonte, a bipartisan school board committee in 2021. All of these experiences, along with Kathy’s high level of integrity and beliefs that the best decisions are made openly, honestly and fairly.
“I will listen, hear and represent you with transparency, respect and fairness. I will enforce township codes and processes equally to all township residents,” Evey said.
Christopher Morelli – Bellefonte Borough Council – W Ward #3
Chris Morelli is US Marine Corps veteran and a native of Hershey, PA. He moved to Bellefonte in 2017 and works for Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory. He manages a staff that provides enterprise applications for the entire lab. He has served on the Bellefonte Area School District school board, and is currently a member of the Bellefonte Borough Planning Commission.
“I feel it is every citizen’s duty to somehow help others in their community, if they have the time to do so. I have chosen the borough council because I want to bring a bit of change and new perspective on council matters from my experiences in other communities to help service ALL residents and work to help take our businesses to that next level of success they so deserve. I will strive to bring my common sense to the council and work with the many hardworking borough employees to better serve ALL residents and ALL business owners ensuring Bellefonte continues to be a destination of choice for recreational, residential and commercial purposes.”
• Please join Facebook Group: Chris Morelli for Bellefonte Borough Council or email:Morelli4BoroughCouncil@gmail.com so you can communicate with me.
I am not the Chris Morelli that is a reporter in the local area.
Steven Schellberg – Halfmoon TWP Supervisor
Steven Schellberg and his wife Michelle enjoy the rural setting of Halfmoon Twp and its close proximity to PSU. Raised in a small, rural community, he desired to return to that place where neighbors know each other and are quick to lend a helping hand. As a retired U.S. Navy Captain, combat veteran and experimental test pilot, he has decades of experience leading diverse teams while solving complex problems and a continuing desire to serve and protect our citizens. His experiences and skills provide a firm foundation for his commitment to help bring resolution where conflicts arise.
Steven looks forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the Halfmoon Twp Board of Supervisors. He is committed to preserving a rural community, parks and open spaces. He is also committed to sound fiscal management to ensure essential township emergency services are uninterrupted, roads are well maintained and improved where necessary.
If you have any questions, email Steven at steveathalfmoon@gmail.com.
Steve’s stance on funding Fire & EMS Service in Halfmoon Township