Oesterling running for district judge in SR
SLIPPERY ROCK — Lon Oesterling is running for district judge in the Slippery Rock magisterial district.
Oesterling, 59, of Portersville will cross file for both the Republican and Democratic nominations in the May 17 primary.
“As a conservative in today’s political landscape, I believe we must take a stand for what is right and make a difference,” Oesterling said.
He cited his experience in the court system. He has been involved in thousands of court cases at the criminal, magisterial, juvenile and domestic court level, often representing the Butler County Children and Youth Agency. These hearing involved family crises, child abuse, dependence, truancy, speeding and underage drinking.
His testimony in criminal court has added to the prosecution of several child abusers.
Oesterling said the position of district judge was never intended to be held by an attorney and that an attorney in the position does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the general population.
If elected, Oesterling said he would use his experience to help keep youth from abusing drugs and alcohol and from speeding while driving. He said he has seen many lives destroyed and would like to stand for prevention.
Oesterling is running for the post held by Tim Shaffer of Prospect.
Oesterling is the transportation director at Portersville Christian School and owns Sterling Enterprises, LLC, a real estate investment company.
He was in the Marine Corps from 1971 to 1973, attaining the rank of corporal.
He graduated from Liberty University in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
From 1985 to 2006, he worked for Children, Youth and Family, becoming a supervisor in 1987 before retiring in 2006.
He has served on the CANDLE Inc. board for the Reality Tour Drug Prevention Program and as a youth leader.
The Slippery Rock court covers Brady, Franklin, Mercer, Muddy Creek, Slippery Rock and Worth townships and the boroughs of Harrisville, Portersville, Prospect, Slippery Rock and West Liberty.
Oesterling lives with his wife, Sharon. They have three children.
